Some so-called experts tell us we can be happy by doing certain things: They say, for instance, "Be nice to people and maybe they'll be nice to you." Or they tell you, "Appreciate what you have, look how lucky you are." Or perhaps the most common one of all, "Think positive! Don't think negative--just think positive!"

If only it were that simple. The core issue is: Why are we so negative in the first place? Consider how hard we struggle to be positive, to feel good and be happy. If we struggle so hard to be positive, doesn't that suggest that we may be caught, or mired, in negativity? And how well do we understand the ways in which we are caught in negativity?

To acquire that understanding, we must penetrate into our unconscious mind to figure out the nature of our emotions. Emotions are irrational and they spring mostly from unresolved feelings going back to childhood. We filter life's experiences in such a way that we interpret other people's behaviors or life circumstances as depriving, neglecting, controlling, or criticizing of us.

I provide in-depth knowledge and advanced techniques to help people eliminate the last traces of their negativity and to discover their true essence. I also conduct research and publish books and information concerning cultural influences, unconscious attitudes and behaviors, remedies for anxiety, depression, and failure, and ways to find and consolidate one's self.

What I offer is a teaching process through which individuals acquire concrete ways to trust and love themselves. I enable individuals to work out deep residues of shame, guilt, and self-rejection, so they no longer depend on others or favorable external factors in order to feel good about themselves.

* Freedom from self-reproach, self-blame, and self-recrimination;

* Elimination of the tendency to take things personally and respond defensively;

* Enhanced ability to remain calm and self-possessed in difficult situations;

* Greater ability to accept others and loved ones without judgment or feeling let down by their inadequacies;

* Increased trust in the value of our perceptions and feelings;

* A shift from a passive, waiting stance to a more assertive one;

* An ability to "read" more clearly the intent and motives of others;

* Greater capacity for career satisfaction and relationship happiness;

* Enhanced creativity and spontaneity.

I offer individual therapy or teaching sessions by telephone or through email exchanges. I also provide teaching for couples, families, as well as lectures, seminars, and training programs for psychotherapists.

If you wish to set up an intensive, telephone session, or email exchange, or if you want more information about my services, call me at (734) 414-9406 during business hours.

Or send an email to questforself@yahoo.com

Or write to me:

Peter Michaelson
480 N. Evergreen St., Plymouth, MI 48170