Dr. Lena Agree logo featuring her name and title as a licensed psychologist, emphasizing professional psychological services.Dr. Lena Agree, JD, PsyD – Licensed Psychologist and Associates

Anger

Letting Go of Resentment: Practical Strategies for Emotional Freedom and Forgiveness

Letting Go of Resentment: Practical Strategies for Emotional Freedom and Forgiveness

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Resentment grows when perceived wrongs or unmet expectations harden into repeated thoughts and defensive patterns. This piece outlines why resentment persists, how it undermines mental and physical health, and what evidence-informed steps you can take to let it go. You’ll find clear definitions, symptom checklists, therapeutic tools (like cognitive reframing and mentalization), and conversational scripts for repairing relationship patterns. There are also time-efficient practices for busy professionals, a practical comparison of benefits from releasing resentment, and guidance on when to seek clinical or coaching support. Read on for step-by-step actions, brief self-assessments, and clear criteria for when individualized therapy or coaching can speed more durable change. What resentment looks like — and why it matters Resentment is a persistent mix…

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Hands reaching out to each other in a narrow space, symbolizing connection and emotional support, relevant to therapy and healing.

The Difference Between Coping and Healing – and Why it Matters

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Many people come to therapy believing that if they can just cope better, they’ll feel better. But coping and healing are not the same. Coping helps you survive, but healing helps you change. Coping manages the symptoms of pain, while healing transforms the source of it. Both are valuable, but they function differently. In this post, we’ll explore the crucial difference between coping and healing, why it matters for your emotional growth, and how therapy can help you move beyond survival toward genuine, lasting well-being. What Is Coping? Coping strategies are the things we do to manage distress in the moment. They don’t necessarily change the root cause of our pain, but they make it more bearable and keep us afloat when…

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Couple sitting in bed, woman looking upset and withdrawn, man appearing concerned, reflecting emotional distress and communication challenges in relationships.

How to Tell if the Man in Your Life is Depressed (and if You Could Be Too)

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Do you suspect that a man in your life may be depressed? Unlike women, who are often sad or weepy when depressed, men typically exhibit anger, irritability or complain of “stress.” This is in addition to other depressive symptoms, including loss of interest or pleasure; either sluggishness or agitation; change in sleep, appetite or concentration; feelings of guilt or worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death. Five or more of these symptoms for 2 consecutive weeks could signal a depressive disorder. However, depressive symptoms aren’t limited to the bouts of moodiness described above. Some people have a “depressive personality,” which can manifest early in life and just kind of “simmer.” There are 2 subtypes of this form of depression: Introjectively depressed people…

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The False Promise of Forgiveness

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People often come to my office wishing to forgive someone, but feeling unsettled because despite their efforts, it hasn’t happened, and they are frustrated and confused. Their distress over forgiveness often brings to mind my favorite quote on the subject: My frame of mind is most peaceful. My wishes are: a modest hut, a thatched roof, but a good bed, good food, milk and butter – very fresh, flowers in front of my window, beautiful trees outside my door and if the good Lord wishes to make me completely happy, he lets me have the joy of seeing hanged on those trees about six or seven of my enemies. Deeply moved, I shall forgive them before they die, all the…

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