Dear Dr. Hurd, Regarding your article, ‘An Unexpected Way to Cope With Anger and Temper’ [Daily Dose of Reason July 14]: This seems like a dangerous way to deal with something.  I can understand if you live in a prison … Continue reading →

Here’s a technique for coping recently described by someone I know: ‘When you’re really upset at someone, imagine what you want to do to them. It might be something completely wrong or irrational to do in reality; but visualizing it … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, My husband’s father recently passed away from a heart attack. He wasn’t a particularly healthy eater, but he wasn’t obese, either. Suddenly my husband has completely changed his eating habits. Everything is ‘organic’ and supposedly healthy. Frankly, … Continue reading →

In a complex world, we often rely on the knowledge of others—auto mechanics, computer technicians, brain surgeons, etc. Does this mean it’s no longer possible to define self-confidence as trust in your own judgment? No. To rely on the expertise … Continue reading →

‘I can’t trust people.’ I hear this from a lot of people, and have come to conclude it’s a widespread problem. What makes it possible to trust someone? The most common answer is, ‘Honesty.’ Or integrity. True enough. But a … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd: I’m 53 years old.. I spend most of my time alone. Thirteen years ago, my wife and I broke up, and I simply cannot get over it. I know how silly it sounds, but when I think … Continue reading →

I often hear of people who say, ‘I don’t believe in therapy.’ The premise of the statement is that therapy requires uncritical belief. This may be true of other things, but it’s not true of therapy. You can see for … Continue reading →