This is a tough one for most people.  I think there are a couple of important things to remember when in this type of situation.  Try and look at accepting criticism as an opportunity to be your best self.  This is easy to do when receiving compliments or accolades; not as easy when you are feeling defensive.  Also try not to react right away.  If something strikes you in a manner that you are compelled to strike back, try to resist.  Approach things from a regret standpoint.  The chances of you regretting holding off on your response are low.  However, if you are to respond quickly and without much thought, the likelihood of regret is quite high.  Be mindful of how the person is talking to you.  If they are talking in a hostile or intense way, it is likely that their perceptions are inaccurate.  Be mindful of how you respond and ask yourself what your intention is.  If at all possible, thank the person for their candor and let them know that you will take all that was said into consideration.  I have noted an interesting connection over the years between people who have difficulty accepting criticism and people who have difficulty with forgiveness.  Accepting criticism and offering forgiveness both require vulnerability.  Most people make the mistake of thinking forgiveness has to do with the other person.  Forgiveness has to do with having enough trust in yourself that you will be able to withstand another disappointment.  

This is a very interesting and inspiring talk.  Definitely worth seeing! Click here.

Charisma has three main ingredients, according to Ronald Riggio, PhD, professor of leadership and organizational psychology at Claremont McKenna College. They are expressiveness (a talent for spontaneously striking up conversations and easily conveying feelings); control (the ability to fine-tune your persona to fit the mood and social makeup of any group); and sensitivity (a gift for listening and sussing out other people's mind-sets). "A lot of charisma comes down to how you communicate", Riggio says. "It's your ability to pick up on other people's emotions as well as express your own."

This may sound highly subjective, but MIT computer scientist Alex Pentland, PhD, has found that all three of these traits can be measured empirically by studying the largely unconscious gestures and expressions we all make. For example, a modest amount of fidgeting and nervous energy—which might normally be viewed as a negative—is often a sign that someone is excited about a conversation and wants the other person to catch that same passion. "When a charismatic person connects with someone, their autonomic nervous system becomes aroused—their attention is locked onto that person and they're tingling with energy," Pentland says. One result: They talk faster. In fact, a 2005 study showed that people who speak quickly were rated as more charismatic than those who take their time.

A client recently sent this link to me and I thought it was very interesting. It is a talk given by a research psychologist, Brene Brown, on vulnerability. I am always talking about the power of belief and how it's impact cannot be underestimated with regard to attraction. We attract what we believe. This is worth watching. Click here.

Many people experience mild depression and it often goes undiagnosed for years. Symptoms include irritability, boredom, disorganization, inattention and what people describe as a "blah" feeling; an indifference toward things; nothing sounds good. It is often misdiagnosed as ADHD because of the inattention and disorganization. Often times, I have seen kids in my practice who have suffered from mild depression for years. Even the most loving and attentive parenting can miss it. When people think of depression, they generally tend to think of a more severe, debilitating depression; cannot sleep, eat, function in normal daily activities. Mild depression is much more insidious and the person often begins to identify with it, if gone undiagnosed and untreated. The research shows that talk therapy is very effective with depression.  

Entelechy Wellness Center is a Psychotherapy Center for Children, Adolescents and Adults.

We have locations in Palo Alto, San Francisco and Mill Valley. We offer home visits throughout the Bay Area. At Entelechy, we have six clinicians with different areas of experience, style and expertise.

Areas of expertise include Children, Teens/Adolescents, Family Therapy, Couples, Adults, Parents and Parenthood. Each Clinician also specializes in particular areas including ADHD, Depression, Asperger's Syndrome, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Prenatal and Postpartum Adjustment, Multicultural Issues, Life-Coaching and Parenting Support and Consultation.

Please visit our therapist bios to find the best therapist for you and your needs.

For more information, you may contact us by phone at our San Francisco and Mill Valley locations (415) 887-7650 or at our Palo Alto Location (650) 268-9787. You may also send an email to our office assistant assistant@entelechywellness.com.

The Entelechy Wellness Center donates a percentage of proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.