Verified by Psychology Today

Embracing Unrest

Harnessing vulnerability to tame anxiety and spark growth.

Anxiety
Dr. Google and the Search for Certainty

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on October 31, 2023

The work of resolving health anxiety is the same as for all forms of anxiety. We must release the fixation on “what if” and turn ourselves toward the painful truth of “what is”.

The work of resolving health anxiety is the same as for all forms of anxiety. We must release the fixation on “what if” and turn ourselves toward the painful truth of “what is”.

Free Will
Getting Unstuck by Embracing Unrest

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on September 25, 2023

Personal Perspective: As we face vulnerability and experience emotion, we communicate to ourselves that we matter. Even when circumstances do not change, we are no longer stuck.

Personal Perspective: As we face vulnerability and experience emotion, we communicate to ourselves that we matter. Even when circumstances do not change, we are no longer stuck.

Who Cares?
Anxiety
Who Cares?

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on August 24, 2023

Compassion fatigue has worsened for many people, leading to irritability and numbing. Many are at the point of thinking, "Who cares?" What can we do about that?

Compassion fatigue has worsened for many people, leading to irritability and numbing. Many are at the point of thinking, "Who cares?" What can we do about that?

Vulnerability stirs emotion
Resilience
7 Things You Can Do to Approach Vulnerability

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on July 5, 2023

If we pause in moments of vulnerability, soothe the body, and face our emotions, we show ourselves we can bear the pain of life. We grow capacities to live our biggest lives.

If we pause in moments of vulnerability, soothe the body, and face our emotions, we show ourselves we can bear the pain of life. We grow capacities to live our biggest lives.

Emotion Regulation
4 Ways We Avoid Emotion

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on May 21, 2023

Learn how to recognize your exits from experiencing vulnerable emotion to access greater resilience, authenticity and mental health.

Learn how to recognize your exits from experiencing vulnerable emotion to access greater resilience, authenticity and mental health.

Anxiety
Anxiety as the Path to Freedom

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on April 13, 2023

Freedom is the ability to be with ourselves in the discomfort of what is. Rather than fight with what is, freedom is saying hello to what is actually happening in your skin.

Freedom is the ability to be with ourselves in the discomfort of what is. Rather than fight with what is, freedom is saying hello to what is actually happening in your skin.

Anxiety
Creating a Kindness Zone

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on February 5, 2023

Though nothing will give you 100% control, there’s always something you can do to feel better. That choice is a profound form of personal power in the face of vulnerability.

Though nothing will give you 100% control, there’s always something you can do to feel better. That choice is a profound form of personal power in the face of vulnerability.

Attention
Vulnerability Is Not Weakness

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on November 6, 2022

By facing, feeling, and mattering when vulnerability stirs, you can grow strengths that allow you to live your biggest life.

By facing, feeling, and mattering when vulnerability stirs, you can grow strengths that allow you to live your biggest life.

Authenticity
Wired for Growth

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on October 16, 2022

Seven steps to grow into more of who you're meant to be. Hint: Ideas won't get you there.

Seven steps to grow into more of who you're meant to be. Hint: Ideas won't get you there.

Attention
Experiencing Vulnerability as the Path to More You

Sandra Parker Ph.D. on September 19, 2022

Did you know that being human automatically means you are vulnerable? But when you can perceive and soothe its wake-up call, vulnerability transforms from threat to strength.

Did you know that being human automatically means you are vulnerable? But when you can perceive and soothe its wake-up call, vulnerability transforms from threat to strength.