by KC Kelly, Ph.D.

Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying?

“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger” – Friedrich Nietzche

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” – Kenji Miyazawa

“We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.” – Sir Winston Churchill

“Everything can be taken from a man but the last of the human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” - Dr. Viktor E. Frankl

If you have ever entered into any realm of a philosophical discussion on any level or have ever entered into a philosophy section of a bookstore, you have heard these (or very similar) inspirational and motivational quotes. There’s not much of a way around that. In the world of psychology and philosophy, they are almost as universal as some of the slang terms lay people use everyday. The question is, how many people actually believe and live by these quotes? Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D.

Afraid of Love? It’s OK… There’s a lot to it

Are you afraid to love? There are many healthy forms of love…This just happens to be one of my favorites: Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D.

Autism: A Case Example of Hope

Alex’s (name has been changed to protect anonymity) mother sat across from me and cried into her hands. “I just don’t know what to do anymore,” she began. “From the moment he gets home from school, he races through the door and right to the couch in the living room where he throws all the pillows onto the floor and begins to run back and forth jumping all over both of the couches. I’ve tried everything to stop him, but he doesn’t even seem to realize that I’m there. He’s in his own world. He climbs on the wall unit, breaking things and one day it almost fell over on him! He will also throw tantrums by screaming and crying at the top of his lungs for hours and I don’t know what he wants!” She stopped talking and continued to cry.

Alex has autism. He is five (5) years old and falls into the lower end of what we call the Autism Spectrum. He does not talk, does not communicate, and exhibits aggressive behaviors such as hitting, biting, pulling hair and scratching when he does not get what he wants.

What is Autism? Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D.

Lucky or unlucky in love? Into which category do you fit? Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

Questions and Answers by DOCintheBiz.

Question: I received an email from a woman who seems to be in an abusive relationship. She is very torn as she says she is in love with him, however, he can tend to be very harsh, angry, controlling and makes her cry way too often by putting her down or having anger outbursts directed at her. At times, she fears him. I have decided not to share the letter for confidentiality reasons; however, I have shared my response to her. Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D.

How many of you have children? How many of you work with children? I thought this was a very interesting view on the difference of behavior labeling for adults and children. Some may be a little severe and not always hold true in all cases, of course, but which ones do you agree with and why? Please share your experiences. I would love to have your input. Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

www.DOCintheBiz.com

Many a day, I have spent hours sitting on the floor in the philosophy section of used book stores, reading some of the most magnificent works of art written. The smell of old books is joyful. The idea that the books I love so dearly are approximately an average of two dollars each is unbelievable being that the material inside those books is priceless. Anything that can change a life for the better is indeed, priceless. I have three copies on my book shelf of one of the most significant and popular books about Existentialism ever written: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by the amazing Father of Existentialism, Dr. Viktor E. Frankl. Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

Questions and Answers from DOCintheBiz

Question: Can you please give me a definition in plain terms of what Borderline Personality Disorder is? I get so many clinical definitions and to be honest, I am not happy about the answers because not every symptom relates to me and I don’t like being categorized into a “mold” if you will. I just want to know how others you have worked with who have BPD feel and act. I don’t know. Just searching for some answers and some understanding. Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

Questions and Answers at www.DOCintheBiz.com

Question: Dear Doc KC,

I’ve been a single woman for over 4 years now after ending a 5 year marriage. I’ve dated since then, but only frogs and I’m really ready to meet my prince. What advice might you have to give me? Anything would be appreciated. Thanks so much. I trust you so much! Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

Questions and Answers at www.DOCintheBiz.com

Question: I have a psychiatrist that hardly spends any time with me when I go in for an appointment. He prescribes me my medications and then basically “throws” me out the door. I’m still looking for someone I feel comfortable with, but I’m having difficulties doing so. I really don’t want to give up, but I’m about there. I have been to three other psychiatrists before this one and I find it so hard to trust one and know that I am in good care. If I try to call for a problem, he never calls me back. Do you have any suggestions? Read the rest of this entry »

by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

www.DOCintheBiz.com

Questions and Answers from DOCintheBiz

Question: I am having a very difficult time dealing with this horrible depression that has taken over my life. I know I need to be on a medication to help with this, but I am terrified to even think about having to deal with medications and side effects, etc. Please, can you help, Dr KC?

Read the rest of this entry »