07Jul 2025 by Jenny

The CAPER Dynamics of Abuse

General
Control, anger, power, entitlement, and revenge (CAPER) are five powerful dynamics that allow someone to be abusive to another. These dynamics, interestingly, can be used against oneself, also. For example, if I make a mistake and embarrass myself, and I could be along or with others, I may say, “how can I be so stupid! You are an idiot!” That is part of me that is turning on myself to shame me and undermine my own integrity. Can I make mistakes? Yes, all the time, every day. Should I be aware of my mistakes? Absolutely. Should I take responsibility for my mistakes? Most assuredly. But there is a way to do that without undermining my own character. I have just used the power of part of my personality to shame…
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22Nov 2017 by Jenny

I am the Tree

General
I just finished reading one of my favorite books, LAB GIRL, by Hope Jahren.  She grew up in Austin, Minnesota and has become a scientist.  Her main focus of research is trees.   And she is filled with metaphors about trees and light. "People are like plants:  they grow toward the light."  Such a lovely metaphor, I think, for our desire as humans to understand ourselves, others, the meaning and source of life. I think it is one of the reasons people come to therapy.  Something along the way in life has brought clouds of doubt, depression, anxiety, any number of life situations that can obscure the path, can obstruct what one felt like the direction one's life was taking. Hope Jahren studies these little seeds that fall from trees…
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27Jan 2015 by Jenny

Dawn Strommen Speaking at Teen Dating Violence Event

General
We are proud to have Dawn Strommen, Psychologist, be one of three speakers featured at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth in February. Dawn will be helping raise awareness and prevention of teen dating violence in our community. Some dating violence facts: -Approxiimately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner. -One in five tweens (ages 11-14) say their friends are victims of dating violence Save the Date: Breaking the Silence Sunday, February 15 6:30-8:00 pm Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth Please join us in this conversation.
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