Many people have this idea that the purpose of therapy is to ‘deal with the past.’ I suspect they get this idea from all those silly authors who appear on ‘Oprah’ and elsewhere. The interesting thing is: What does ‘dealing … Continue reading
Someone sent me an interesting quote, attributed to Mark Twain: “Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on… or by imbeciles who really mean it.” Let’s apply this to the presidential … Continue reading
An irate fan of socialism and socialized medicine/ObamaCare writes in: “You know what, I think it is less profitable for the free market to find a cure. I think keeping the patient sick, but alive, and dependent on the drugs … Continue reading
The following letter entitled, “Lowe’s should not limit inclusiveness” recently appeared in my local paper. My reply to the letter, being sent to the paper, follows. The following letter was sent to Robert A. Niblock, chairman, president and CEO of … Continue reading
Conclusion of yesterday’s column. Many people never talk to a therapist or read a self-help book. They nevertheless develop a stance of anger towards the rest of the world. Why? ‘Because I had a lousy childhood, and because things haven’t … Continue reading
Q: Dr. Hurd, you write a lot about deterministic thinking. What is deterministic thinking and how does it develop in people? A: Deterministic thinking refers to the subconsciously (or sometimes consciously) held viewpoint that a person is less in control … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: In your experience, are most psychologists and psychiatrists liberal Democrats? If so, why do you think this is? Is it because they are enamored with the idea that the government can forcibly commit people to psychiatric institutions? … Continue reading
Q: I didn’t find that your “big vs. little government” article expressed my views. I advocate “big enough” government. Only the federal government grants freedom to the people. They must be big enough to enforce it. They must be big … Continue reading
In response to my comment that there’ s no shame in hating the contemptible, an irate reader wrote in with the following quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night … Continue reading
“Good will towards men.” My reply: Good will towards anyone who deserves it. “Peace.” My reply: Peace through strength. “A time to give, and not receive.” My reply: If you are giving to someone you like, love or otherwise care about, … Continue reading
The quest for the supernatural and the desire for Big Government both spring from the same source: A desire to be taken care of and controlled by others. Supernaturalism is one unhealthy manifestation of this desire; and Big Government is … Continue reading
Dr. Hurd: “Forgive” in the Oxford dictionary is defined as “verb: stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for an offence, flaw, or mistake.” Why would any therapist advise anyone to remain bitter and resentful towards anyone? Is that sound … Continue reading