“The world doesn’t owe you a living.” Once upon a time, many parents said this to their children. Today, not so much. It would practically be considered child abuse. But it’s still true. Nobody owes anybody anything, unless an explicit … Continue reading
In December 2015, the state of Delaware (where I live) received 348 concealed carry applications, more than double the 155 from the previous December. There were 2,614 permit applications in 2015 as opposed to 1,674 in 2014. Each month last … Continue reading
A New York Times blogger recently questioned her choice to teach her daughter to be kind, above all else. She writes, “My daughter had become the girl I hoped she would be — the girl I always wanted to be … Continue reading
Is “affluenza” really a mental or behavioral disorder? From a CNN story: Mexican authorities have detained so-called “affluenza” teen Ethan Couch and his mother near the popular Mexican Pacific beach resort town of Puerto Vallarta, officials briefed on the matter … Continue reading
The following is an excerpt from my book: If you still feel your loved one needs psychological help, the other thing to watch out for is arrogance. By arrogance I mean the irrational assumption that your negative views about your … Continue reading
At Christmastime, there are people who say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Think about this for a moment. Giving certainly can be a joyful experience. However, giving does not bring pleasure when it renounces the self. … Continue reading
A number of readers asked me to comment on the recent Wall Street Journal article, “What Your Therapist Is Really Thinking: Yes, therapists sometimes get bored; excerpts from an interview with psychotherapist Paul Hokemeyer.” When asked what the most common … Continue reading
Women for Sobriety has a remarkable series of “13 Steps” to serve as an alternative to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have a life-threatening problem that once had me. I now take charge of my life and my … Continue reading
Here’s what some in the psychiatric professions have to say about Donald Trump: “Remarkably narcissistic,” said developmental psychologist and Harvard Graduate School professor Howard Gardner. Clinical psychologist Ben Michaelis echoed the sentiment, referring to Trump’s diagnosis as “Textbook [narcissistic] personality … Continue reading
University students in Massachusetts who were upset by an image of a Confederate flag sticker on another student’s laptop were offered counseling services at Framingham State University. The offer came after the university’s “chief diversity and inclusion officer,” Sean Huddleston, … Continue reading
Step Thirteen: Wrote my psychological declaration of independence. I no longer needed to rely on my feelings or others to make my decisions for me. Came to realize that my own mind, with its capacity to think and reason, was … Continue reading
Daniel Duffy served in Iraq from November 2006 to April 2007. He was part of the “surge” strategy President George W. Bush ordered to quell the insurgency. His basic mission was to help keep insurgents from getting a stronghold in … Continue reading