For Self-Examination

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Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

Send us a text

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

Learn more about our Mental Health app, Empifany.

Join Dr. Taylor's personal newsletter.

Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

Send us a text

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

Learn more about our Mental Health app, Empifany.

Join Dr. Taylor's personal newsletter.

Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

Send us a text

In this episode, Dr. Taylor challenges the common belief that gratitude is always beneficial. Here’s why it can be harmful:

1. Reactive Thought Patterns: Our thoughts are shaped by childhood beliefs, creating an illusion of stability. When life gets tough, gratitude can become a comforting illusion that invalidates our real experiences.
2. Emotional Avoidance: Gratitude can distract us from necessary self-examination and emotional processing. Instead of addressing feelings of anxiety or sadness, we might use gratitude to mask these emotions.
3. Forced vs. Authentic Gratitude: True gratitude is genuine and natural. Forced or fake gratitude feels insincere and can prevent genuine emotional growth.

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

Learn more about our Mental Health app, Empifany.

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Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

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I’m a night owl. I love the night. The cool darkness of it. I find I am most creative in the late hours of the evening. And if I had my way, I would sleep in every day and stay up late. Life has a different plan for me, though. My struggle is getting up in the morning. I am a snooze button machine. I love those extra ten minutes of snooze heaven. 

As a kid, I got in trouble a lot trying to sneak some TV after bedtime. In college, I skipped more eight AM classes than I can count, had to drop a few courses as well. But now, as an adult, with a company to run and kids to raise I have lost the luxury of sleeping. Yet, the struggle remains.

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

Learn more about our Mental Health app, Empifany.

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Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

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Okay, so here’s the deal. I’ve been putting this off for way too long. My life feels so fractured these days. I never really know where the day will take me. Do you ever feel completely lost? Yeah… me too. 

But hey, that’s why we have mall kiosks and little red dots to comfort us and tell us exactly where we are… and how far we must traverse to reach the Gap or the food court. 

For me, life has been this crazy twist of events that are beyond all measure of comprehension. Where I started, where I have been, what I am, what I am not, what I get to do, where I am, and to God knows where I am going - this life feels akin to a Jackson Pollock painting. To be direct, I don’t understand it at all. And the older I find myself the more I find I am sure that I know much less than I ever really thought I knew. 

Hi… I’m Chris. We might have met somewhere along the way. Or perhaps we’ve known each other for some time now. Or… better yet, we have yet to meet, and you found this podcast randomly or on the TCG website or in some other random way, IDK! Either way, it matters not. I am so very happy you are here. Welcome to my podcast. I hope you enjoy these thoughts For Your Self-Examination. Take what you like, leave the rest.

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

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Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

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🎙️ Welcome back to "For Self-Examination"! I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Taylor, braving a bit of the new year crud. Today, as we kick off this exciting journey into 24, we dive into the intriguing dynamics of resolutions, healthy self-examination, and the concept that life doesn't happen to you; it happens for you.

🌬️ Episode Highlights:

• 📆 Navigating the significance of the new year and resolutions.
• 🔄 Reflecting on the profound idea that life unfolds for your benefit.
• 🌳 The beauty of embracing change on any given day.
• 🚫 Dispelling the myth of perfection in self-improvement goals.
• 🌟 Finding success in acknowledging and learning from life's struggles.
• 🙌 Extending self-forgiveness and embracing the journey of growth.
• 🤔 Revisiting resolutions with a focus on shaping a fulfilling 24.

🔗 Tune in for a dose of inspiration and practical insights! And don't forget to check out our sponsor, Empiphany, for a mental health app that empowers your journey. [Insert Podcast Link]

👉 Remember, life doesn't happen to you; it happens for you. Embrace the journey and make this year yours! See you next week on "For Self-Examination." Stay well!

#NewYearReflection #SelfImprovement #Resolutions #PodcastJourney #ForSelfExamination #LifeForYou

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

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Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

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Welcome back to "For Self-Examination" with your host, Dr. Christopher Taylor. After insightful episodes on narcissism, Dr. Taylor shifts focus to a powerful concept that has impacted his life—ego. Reflecting on a transformative idea introduced by Jim Carrey, the episode encourages a shift in perspective as we approach 2024.

Dr. Taylor shares Carrey's profound insight: "Life doesn't happen to you, it happens for you." Exploring the liberating notion that challenges victimhood, he emphasizes the power of choice. The new year often prompts resolutions, and Dr. Taylor urges listeners to contemplate the motivation behind their choices.

Drawing from Carrey's graduation speech, the episode explores the dichotomy of choices—fear versus love. Dr. Taylor encourages making choices driven by love, gratitude, and acceptance. He shares how embracing this mindset has positively influenced his own life, fostering resilience and empowerment.

As 2024 unfolds, Dr. Taylor invites listeners to view life through the lens of love, making choices not out of obligation but as a powerful opportunity. The episode concludes with warm wishes for a wonderful start to the new year.

Join Dr. Christopher Taylor on this journey of self-exploration, choosing love over fear as we embrace the possibilities of 2024.

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

Learn more about our Mental Health app, Empifany.

Join Dr. Taylor's personal newsletter.

Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

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Welcome back to "For Self-Examination" with your host, Dr. Christopher Taylor. In this December episode, Dr. Taylor reflects on the beauty of fall and the importance of grounding rituals. The conversation unfolds into a deeper exploration of narcissism, building on last week's insights.

Dr. Taylor walks us through four distinct types of narcissism: overt, covert, communal, and malignant. From attention-seeking overt narcissists to covert individuals driven by self-loathing, communal narcissists disguising self-interest as altruism, and the potentially destructive malignant narcissists, each type unveils unique traits.

While the term "narcissist" is widely used, Dr. Taylor emphasizes that a clinical diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) applies to a small percentage. The focus shifts to recognizing and addressing toxicity in relationships, irrespective of clinical labels.

The episode delves into common narcissistic behaviors, rooted in deep insecurities, an unending quest for validation, and a marked lack of empathy facilitating manipulative tendencies.

Dr. Taylor addresses the pivotal question: Why does understanding narcissism matter? The emphasis lies on identifying and navigating toxic relationships. Resources are offered at taylorcounselinggroup.com, with additional support from Independently Strong, providing tools and community at independentlystrong.com.

Next week promises a profound discussion on framing the new year, offering insights and reflections for a fulfilling 2024. Until then, Dr. Christopher Taylor encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being, signing off as your guide for self-examination.

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

Learn more about our Mental Health app, Empifany.

Join Dr. Taylor's personal newsletter.

Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.

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In this episode of "For Self-Examination," host Dr. Christopher Taylor returns after a year and a half hiatus to explore the intricate topic of narcissism. The episode serves as the first part of a two-part series, promising a total of three episodes before the year concludes. Dr. Taylor introduces the plan to transition into a more consistent weekly schedule in the coming year.

The focus of today's discussion revolves around narcissism, examining it from two perspectives: as a clinical personality disorder and as a prevalent theme in popular culture, notably on platforms like TikTok. Dr. Taylor touches on the rise of discussions around narcissism in various social circles and introduces Independently Strong, an organization that will be featured in the episode.

Listeners are given a glimpse into the upcoming content, with a promise to continue exploring the topic of narcissism in the next episode. Dr. Taylor provides a concise overview of the nine criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) according to the DSM, emphasizing the significance of distinguishing between occasional arrogance and clinically defined narcissism.

The lack of empathy is highlighted as a crucial aspect of narcissism, leading to manipulation and exploitation. Dr. Taylor concludes by mentioning the upcoming episode's focus on types of narcissism, narcissistic behaviors, and additional co-occurring issues. The episode ends with a mention of resources available on both Independently Strong's website and Taylor Counseling Group's evolving resource center.

If you're seeking resources on this topic, visit our evolving resource center at: taylorcounselinggroup.com.

Learn more about our Mental Health app, Empifany.

Join Dr. Taylor's personal newsletter.

Learn more about the great work being done in mental health by Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Counseling for the Future Foundation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "For Self-Examination" with Dr. Christopher Taylor. We hope you found this episode insightful and valuable for your journey of self-discovery. Take what you like, leave the rest.