Dr. Hurd: Could you explain the truth about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? I understand it is predominantly an issue with military men and women coming back from active duty. While I do agree that some people rightfully suffer, I also … Continue reading
What’s the relationship between psychology and politics? I’ll tell you. High regard for your own sense of personal space, your own sense of boundaries between yourself and the rest of the world, leads to a commitment to individual rights. You … Continue reading
TV viewers will never forget Marie Barone, the meddling, controlling and hilarious matriarch from ‘Everybody Loves Raymond.’ After any one of her horrendous invasions into her kids’ lives and privacy blew up in her face, she would always look innocent … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: Since I think you are brilliant and trust your opinions I have a question to ask. A friend of mine just told me a little secret because it had been bothering her and I really didn’t know … Continue reading
According to research reported in Scientific American Mind, about half of first marriages fail in the U.S., as do two thirds of second marriages and three quarters of third marriages. The researchers suggest that it’s because people usually ‘enter into … Continue reading
There are two types of atheists. The first is psychological, the other philosophical. The psychological atheist is simply angry. The anger might be a reaction to family members who are religious, the policies or actions of various organized religions, or … Continue reading
Liberals complain that psychologists and psychotherapists should not talk about politics — even though what politicians do contributes to about half (or more) of the stress and trauma people are experiencing in today’s declining economy and society. Interestingly, in graduate … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: I’m writing in response to your Daily Dose of Reason column, ‘America in Reverse.’ (3/22/12) I have to say that reading that article is painful for me because I had to move back in with my mother … Continue reading
Internet or ‘e-therapy’ is on the rise, and the voices of satisfaction are coming overwhelmingly from customers. One article at MSNBC.com interviewed people who were very happy with the concept of e-therapy and how it improved their lives. The voices … Continue reading
People often react badly when you say something they would rather not hear. However, it’s just as bad when you don’t say what they want to hear. A reader writes in: “Dear Dr. Hurd: My mother just doesn’t get it. … Continue reading
One of the primary subjects that come up when couples are in conflict is simply how to make—or keep—a marriage happy for both parties. Probably the best way to ensure this is for both parties to remind themselves that they … Continue reading
Issues and misunderstandings about optimism are a major cause of depression, even in intelligent people. People fear that optimism means pollyannaism, wearing rose-colored glasses, and not being objective. Today, especially, it’s seen as ‘uncool’ not to be cynical and negative; … Continue reading