While I blog away, WordPress counts things. I don’t exactly understand how it works, but apparently my little blog just passed the 1.0 million visitor and 1.5 million views thresholds. Wow.
You may be wondering, what does passing that million-visitor pinnacle mean, and why is JSF sharing about his blogging achievements?
The answer to that important question is: All this means it’s time to celebrate!
In honor of this blogging achievement, I’m doing what bloggers are supposed to do. I’m honoring my million visitors by giving out five free books.
To “win” a book, all you have to do is post here, a nice, supportive, celebratory comment of at least 20 words about this blog. If you’re one of the first five to post a comment in response to this historic blog celebration, you should also email me your best mailing address. Then, if you’re quick at the blog commenting draw, in the next couple weeks, you will receive one shiny new copy of the exciting thriller titled, “Suicide Assessment and Treatment Planning: A Strengths-Based Approach” by John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan.
Thanks for following and reading my blog. Today’s news means, quite literally, that “You are one in a million!”
I very much appreciate your support. I hope you’ve enjoyed, or appreciated, or at least not hated my idiosyncratic and sometimes irreverent posts.
Best,
John S-F
John Sommers-Flanagan 
I LIKE THE BLOG! AND I ALREADY HAVE THE BOOK SO PASS IT ON TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO DOESN’T. THANKS, JSF.
Hi Pep,
You’re number 1! Thanks for your speedy typing and positive comment. I’ll pass it forward. Have a great evening.
JSF
As a retired psychoanalyst and child psychiatrist (still teaching and supervising) I celebrate the work you are doing to disentangle how to work creatively with patients/clients and to drastically improve the quality of thought and work that thoughtful new and experienced therapists can grow into. Thank you
Jonathan Sugar, jasugarmd@gmail.com; jasgarmd.com
Hi Jonathan,
Your comment is wonderful. I really appreciate that someone with your experience can still benefit from what I right. Thanks very much! And . . . you are responder #2 and have won a book. Email me your best mailing address at john.sf@mso.umt.edu and I’ll send you a copy!
All my best,
John SF
Hi John,
Your blog has been a great way to connect with you since I won’t have the opportunity to take another course with you.
When I read your work, I can hear your voice as I go through it. Although that may not sound the most fascinating, what I love about it is that I have a sense of who you are. This makes me think of how you show up so congruent and authentic, whether I run into you at a coffee shop, sit in your class, or watch your counseling videos. I think this speaks to how consistent you are. As a student, that makes me recognize how safe I feel with you, knowing that you will always meet me with curiosity and kindness.
Thanks for being you John!
As a teacher/supervisor and now clinically retired psychoanalyst/psychiatrist/child psychiatrist, I celebrate your work and blog which, together, disentangle and make accessible creative, positive practice theory and techniques for new and experienced therapists alike. Thank you.
Jonathan Sugar, MD
Hi John! Your blog has been such a fun way to engage with you since I don’t have the opportunity to take another class with you.
What I love the most about your blog, is that I can hear your voice as I read it. Although that may not sound like the most interesting, I find it fascinating. I noticed it happens with your work in particular and I think it’s because you are often so authentic and congruent in your being. I know I can rely on you showing up the same, no matter if I run into you in the coffee shop, on campus teaching, or watching a video of you counseling. As a counselor-in-training and student, this speaks volumes to you being a safe and reliable person.
Thanks for being you JSF! Appreciate you!
Hi John! Your blog has been such a fun way to engage with you since I don’t have the opportunity to take another class with you.
What I love the most about your blog, is that I can hear your voice as I read it. Although that may not sound like the most interesting, I find it fascinating. I noticed it happens with your work in particular and I think it’s because you are often so authentic and congruent in your being. I know I can rely on you showing up the same, no matter if I run into you in the coffee shop, on campus teaching, or watching a video of you counseling. As a counselor-in-training and student, this speaks volumes to you being a safe and reliable person.
Thanks for being you JSF! Appreciate you!
I like your blog, John! Your sense of humor is a seriously funny and the positive psychology info is a nice bonus.
Thanks Ruth! You’re responder #3 and have won a book. Send me your best mailing address via john.sf@mso.umt.edu and I’ll pop it in the mail.
Best,
John
Congratulations on 1 million visitors and 1.5 million views; I know you’ll surpass this number very quickly. I read your blog every time you post and have learned a great deal of which I try to incorporate into my daily sessions with my clients. I appreciate your willingness to share your experience, thoughts and knowledge. I wish you continued success.
Hi Tabitha,
Thanks for your positive and supportive comments. I’m happy that you are able to incorporate some of my blog ideas into your work. That’s very cool. And . . . you’re #4 responder and won a book. Send me your best mailing address at john.sf@mso.umt.edu and I’ll get the book in the mail!
Thanks!
John
Hi John and Congrats on hitting the million mark! Given your style of writing and connection to your readers and students you should be easily reaching this mark. Have enjoyed your down to earth approach and openness to share your vulnerabilities and knowledge so freely to many of us. Thank you for continuing to do this and touching more lives. Loved it too that you have some Indian relatives and you had a great time in India.
Hello!
Thanks for your positive comments. I’m happy to hear you’ve enjoyed my blog. And yes, I had a great time at my nephew’s wedding in Chennai! You’re the #5 responder and won a book. Send me your best mailing address at john.sf@mso.umt.edu and I’ll get the book in the mail!
Thanks!
John
Hiow wonderful Dr John. I enjoy reading your blog so much. It keeps me in touch with developments while I am away from work and reminds me to tap into the positive psychology treasury. Thank you
Hello Dr. Alison, Thanks so much for the kind words. You are officially commenter #5! That means you have earned a free book. My email address is: john.sf@mso.umt.edu. If you could send me your best mailing address, that would be great. Have a wonderful weekend! JSF
Hi John! Your blog has been such a fun way to engage with you since I don’t have the opportunity to take another class with you.
What I love the most about your blog, is that I can hear your voice as I read it. Although that may not sound like the most interesting, I find it fascinating. I noticed it happens with your work and I think it’s because you are often so authentic and congruent in your being. I know I can rely on you showing up the same, no matter if I run into you in the coffee shop, on campus teaching, or watching a video of your counseling. As a counselor-in-training and student, this speaks volumes to you being a safe and reliable person.
Thanks for being you JSF! Appreciate you!
Hi Kora,
I got more comments from you than anyone else! Thank you for always being so positive. I really appreciate it. I like that you can hear my voice and that you see me as reliably showing up as myself. That’s incredibly nice feedback. I will try to keep it up. You were the 6th responder. You know where to find me if you need another book! Thanks! John
I started reading the blog years ago after reading one of your text books in a class (which I also loved) and I continue to beenefit from your expertise! I deeply appreciate your generousity in sharing your wisdom. Thank you!
Hi Stephanie,
I’m very happy to hear that you loved our textbook and that you like the blog too. That’s music to my ears!
You are officially the 7th commenter and so although you didn’t win a free text, you can still read the blog for free. Haha.
I hope you’re doing great.
John
I have been following your blog for years and I am so grateful for your generosity in sharing your expertise and wisdom. I remember using your textbook in grad school and loving both yours and Rita’s videos, they were so helpful. Thank you!
WHOA! Congratulations – that is a big accomplishment. Your blog provides important (and current) updates and helps me to digest important topics in a manageable and time-friendly way. Not to mention a very human way that infuses a sense of humor and humility within your posts. Thank you for continuing your work!
Hi Katie,
Thanks very much for your support. I remember you well from you being so amazing in our happiness class. You are officially the 8th commenter, and so you barely missed winning a book!
I hope life is going great for you.
John
Dear Dr John
I may be one of the first 5 to post a comment on your blog. I can only see one other comment. While I would love a copy if your new book, I am based in the UK and so am concerned that the postage may be prohibitive. Please do let me know if this is the case.
Well done about passing the milestone, I am sure I wouldn’t have the first clue how to write a blog so it is very impressive.
With best wishes
Alison
Dr Alison M Clark
Sent from Samsung Mobile on O2
Hello again Alison!
If you email me, I can check on the postage. If it’s expensive, would you like an electronic copy? That might be a normal price.
Let me know and I hope all is well.
John
I really appreciate your blog. My partner’s teaching and clinical practice have been so enriched by your work on theories and now on strengths based suicide assessment and prevention. In my own clinical work in a field allied to psychology and counseling, I occasionally encounter people brave enough to disclose their suicidal ideation, and partnering with them in a shared understanding that it is an expression of underlying distress has really helped build alliance and connect them to the resources they need. Really surprised that, over five hours after your post, this is only the third comment. I think your readers just don’t check their email often enough because they are too busy putting your ideas into practice.
Hello Michael G,
I’m really happy to hear that the blog and our work has been helpful to you and your partner. I love hearing that and appreciate the work you’re both doing to apply the ideas. Actually, you’re the 9th different person to comment (I’m guessing it’s hard to see other comments for some reason; and some people even commented twice because of not seeing their own comments!).
I do like your hypothesis that all my readers are busy applying the ideas in their practice. I think I’ll go with that.
Thanks and all my best to you and your partner.
John
I have enjoyed reading your blog, especially when you write about your family. Your accomplishment is impressive. Congrats to you!
Love,
Peggy
Your sister
Way to go John! I love reading your blog. It is informative and at times, very funny. Often I have forwarded your words on to someone else or dedicated them to memory. I also really appreciate the links that sometimes accompany your blog. Thank you for your dedication to helping us grow!
Also, I already have a copy of the book, so feel free to pass it to the 6th person 🙂
Understood. And, as it turns out, you’re commenter #10! JSF
Hah… I saw that! I don’t know how I missed it. It must be my “winning” mindset.
Well, you know what they say, “Mindsets matter.” Even if they’re a little unhinged:).
Hi Dylan,
Thank you for your continuous support. You make my life easier and more fun.
John
Dear Dr Sommers-Flanagan,
Thanks for the invitation to give feedback. I am a new student to counselling psychology (at the age of 67 after a lifetime of work in public health/ public policy at the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS) and I find your emailed essays hugely helpful for a novice counsellor in understanding the nuances of counselling theory and practice which I am generally not getting from my lectures and textbooks. As an example: in your recent article you pointed out that ‘positive psychology’ is not to replace psychology but to provide balance – so that psychology can move from a preoccupation with pathology to ‘being equally about strengths, joys, happiness etc., and psychopathology’. I really appreciate your observation that ‘many people practise simple, superficial and educational positive psychology using bludgeon-like strategies’ and likewise many others do ‘bad versions of counselling every form of counselling out there’. It is so important to be reminded that matter what approach we choose, we should be using our ‘fundamental listening skills’ so that if our client doesn’t like our approach or benefiting from it, we can change it. Having just finished a course on counselling theory and learning about so many theories, one often feels at sea about what are the central core skills associated with good counselling but your sharing has helped me get a handle on what is fundamental and non-negotiable.
There are many many more instances where you have helped me go beyond the simplistic understandings but I think what makes your blog entries so compelling is not only that one can receive these pearls but that your writing is just easy and fun to read – they are always so simply and clearly written, generous, full of good humor/humility and yet conveying such important theoretical and practical insights, but never talking down to or ‘bludgeoning’ your readers from your vantage point as a highly experienced teacher. You have set a very high standard for me to emulate in writing and learning counselling and I really can’t thank you enough. Looking forward to read more of your blogs and also watch your videos.
With much appreciation and my warmest regards.
Kah Sin Cho
(Master of Professional Counselling student at the University of Malaya).
Sent from Mail for Windows
Hello Kah Sin Cho,
Wow! What a wonderful message. Thank you so much. I love that you have gained from reading the blog and that you have received it in the spirit with which I’m trying to deliver it. No bludgeoning here! I am inspired by your commitment to education and to helping others. I hope your studies are going great.
You were the 11th person to comment. . . and so you missed the free book . . . but the blog is free!
All my best,
John
Congratulations on the successful blog, John! I am a LPC in central Pennsylvania, and I was introduced to you from a training you offered at the annual Suicide Prevention Summit. I’ve so enjoyed following your blog!
Hello Charla,
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m happy you’ve enjoyed the blog and glad you were introduced to me through the Summit.
You are officially the 12th commenter, and so you missed the free book. Sorry! I hope life is going great for you in PA.
Best,
John
Dear John & Rita Sommers-Flanagan,
I rejoice with you over this success of yours. You deserve it! Your blogs and videos, that you share has really benefited me. I have not only learnt from them but also used them in my lectures on counselling here at a Bible College in Sabah, Malaysia.
Do continue your good work. May God continue to bless you both and your ministry.
In His service, Pastor Marey
Hello Pastor Marey,
I am very happy to hear that you have found our blogs and videos useful in your work. Thanks for sharing that and for your commitment to making the world a better place. You are the 13th commenter, and so you missed the free book. Very sorry! Nevertheless, the blog is FREE, so that’s still good.
All my best to you,
John SF
I hope this is where we are to comment and I doubt I am of the first five but I will try!
I am a new Clinical Mental Health student and recently used your text for our theories class. In addition, another teacher referenced your name as one of his favorite therapists to read. Sure enough, when I came across your blog, I also became a fan of your straight forward, humble, relational tone. Enjoyable blog!
cherith nottingham ________________________________
Hi Cherith,
This is the perfect spot to comment. Sorry for the slow response. I’m very happy to hear you enjoy the blog and appreciate the tone. That’s my hope! You are the 13th commenter, so you didn’t win a book. Sorry! But the blog is still free! Haha. Be well, JSF
Your blog is a breath of fresh air and sanity and also, quite frequently very helpful and educational. Thank You!
Thank you Nadine! I very much appreciate your support. . . and I treasure that you think I offer sanity! I hope you and the family are all well. Best, JSF
While I was not one of the first 5, that does not stop me from continuing to comment:) I know that this blog has been helpful and healing for me. I look forward to each post and enjoy your humor and wisdom:) Congratulations!
Thank you Erica! I am very happy to hear the blog has been helpful and healing to you. Wonderful! You are officially commenter #16, which is also wonderful. Be well, JSF
I am about to graduate in May with my graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health. I have been a huge fan of your blog and have a particular interest in your research and experience with suicide and adolescents. I am always encouraged to keep finding hope to pass on to my patients at my internship site and find your posts helpful!
Hello Jennifer,
It’s very exciting that your graduation date is coming up soon. I have super happy to hear that the blog has provided you with helpful information. I wish you the best in your future professional endeavors. All my best, JSF