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Emotional Health Minute: Feeling negative? Who do you hang with?

Did you know that emotions are contagious?  If you spend a lot of time with positive, happy people, chances are some of that will rub off.  And the opposite is true when hanging out with the more negatively focused.  Humans being humans, they have a range of emotions and all are valid but be mindful of who your primary groups are and how you feel.

Are you hanging out with negative people?If you have a tendency to go dark yourself or have a more glass half empty attitude (which some people do, especially if they have a challenged family of origin or trauma history), it’s even more important to take a look at those around you and make an extra effort to sprinkle in some of the sunnier dispositions.

Take stock in who you hang with.

If you make an effort to shuffle your groups some, spend less time with the more challenging individuals yet you still feel it’s hard to break out of that feeling, perhaps there is work to be done.  I help people get to the bottom of why they’re feeling badly or more bleak, untangle any unhealthy roots and consider changes in the here and now to break the negativity bias.

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Jennine Estes profile picture
Jennine Estes
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I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lisa Kift for many years, both in previous clinics and with mutual clients. Lisa is a deeply knowledgeable and skilled therapist who brings insight, empathy, and clarity to her work. She has a strong focus on family-of-origin dynamics and how early experiences shape current relational and emotional patterns. Lisa is an active and engaged clinician—she doesn’t just sit back, but thoughtfully guides her clients through the healing process. I highly recommend working with Lisa at Marin Therapy and Counseling. She is a trusted colleague and a true asset to the field.
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Heather Trimble profile picture
Heather Trimble
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I am a strong believer in therapy and have worked with many therapists for over 20 years but Lisa is by far the best. After working with Lisa for the past 5 years, she has been there for me through some of my highest highs and lowest lows. She helps me take a step back and think about situations or problems with a different lens. She has always supported a cadence that worked best for me, starting with once a week and winding down to once a month. I am so thankful to have found Lisa and would recommend her to anyone!

Lisa Brookes Kift is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #45087
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