Recently, I wrote an article saying that alcoholism and substance abuse are not diseases, but problem behaviors. A disease, I wrote, is something that — regardless of the cause — progresses inside your body, and that only passive submission to … Continue reading
“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