How We Heal And Growth

About How We Heal And Growth

Why do self-help readers often end up with a collection of apps and new knowledge but not much change in their lives? The answer is that when we try to make changes in our dysfunctional ways we find ourselves pitted against a formidable adversary, our own mind. Evolved over millions of years, our mind uses many tricks to protect us from the pain it associates with change. The aim of this app is to tip the balance in your favor.
Armed with the understanding and approaches outlined here, you will be able to follow the action in your own mind and your own life. You will be able to push harder in ways you need to and understand why and how your mind resists. Even more important, as you encounter the feelings you have avoided, an amazing phenomenon I will call catharsis will detoxify those feelings. It will take away their power to stop you and will give you strength to keep your change process moving ahead.

As you are beginning to glean, the thesis of this app is that emotional and psychological problems, at least those that are not primarily biological, are the result of instinctive childhood needs to avoid feelings that were once too painful or uncomfortable to face. Patterns that were first developed to protect us from such daunting emotions have become embedded in our personality and functioning. Much later, when their origins are no longer obvious, these patterns continue to operate in ways that constrict and limit our lives. When we try to change, our minds are ready with powerful and subtle layers of resistance to thwart our efforts. As we overcome each layer of protection and face each layer of feeling, healing by catharsis will allow us to go on to the next layer—until we are no longer afraid.


The aim of this app is to share with you an understanding that is broad enough to cover the range of emotional and psychological problems that cause our human dysfunctions but specific and precise enough to apply to your own unique situation. Once again, it is my sincere hope that what is presented here will truly be “as simple as possible but not simpler.”