Colleen Perry, LMFT

02/13/2025

Someone recently asked me what body dysmorphia was. I gave her a real life example. Currently, there are hundreds of people everywhere (No, not just in California) flocking to plastic surgeons asking to look like they do in their device Apps--airbrushed and modified to the point of looking unreal. This distorted perception of oneself is a good example of body dysmorphia. We can only hope that there are ethical surgeons out there willing to pass on profiting from the sadly, disordered and instead take the opportunity to share the TRUTH that some expectations are simply unrealistic. Not to mention costly and mentally, emotionally and physically damaging in the long run. Here's to more filters on the mouth and less on the face.

01/29/2025

Sometimes quiet presence is exactly what we need.🩷

"Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh.

There was a pause.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Piglet.

"No," said Pooh after a bit. "No, I don't think I do."

"That's okay," said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

"What are you doing?" asked Pooh.

"Nothing, really," said Piglet. "Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don't feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.

"But goodness," continued Piglet, "Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you've got someone there for you. And I'll always be here for you, Pooh."

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs...he thought that his best friend had never been more right.

-- A.A. Milne

01/26/2025

💜

01/25/2025

Good information from Psychology Today.

01/19/2025

Instead of making New Year’s resolutions this month, consider setting S.M.A.R.T. goals instead.
SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It's a method for setting goals that helps ensure they are realistic and can be achieved within a specific time frame.
What each letter of SMART means
Specific: The goal is clear and easy to understand. It states what will be done and who will do it.
Measurable: The goal includes a way to measure progress so you can tell if you're on track.
Achievable: The goal is realistic and attainable.
Relevant: The goal makes sense and fits the purpose of what you're trying to accomplish.
Time-bound: The goal has a deadline that's realistic.
How to use SMART goals
Write down your initial goal.
Consider each letter of SMART to make sure your goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Review your goal and revise it if needed.
You can also add the letters "ER" to the acronym to make it "SMARTER". "ER" stands for "Evaluate" and "Revise.
Give it a try. And remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.😉

01/10/2025

My deepest thoughts prayers go out all of those impacted and devastated by the recent wildfires in Southern California. Trauma comes in many forms and support of every kind is crucial. If you or someone you know resides in California and is in need of therapy, please know there is help and there is hope and I offer both.❤️

05/03/2024

I get this question quite often.

Stonewalling is maladaptive defense mechanism that occurs when someone is flooded whereas gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse.

05/03/2024

Excellent reminder we can all use.💕

Here’s why “Sorry for your loss” rubs me the wrong way and what to say instead if you’re trying to comfort someone’s who’s grieving.