I still remember the childhood thrill of going on vacation. The preparation, counting the days — and the getting up at 3 or 4 in the morning to leave. Through the fog of fitful backseat dozing, I remember dragging through … Continue reading
When facing an important decision about relationships and other personal issues, it’s often best to consider your own advice first. After all, who’s better suited to know what’s right for you than … you? Recently, I spoke with a friend … Continue reading
A few years ago after the release of my third book, “Bad Therapy, Good Therapy (and How to Tell the Difference),” I took particular interest in columnist Robert Fulford’s article in Canada’s Globe and Mail where he coined the phrase, … Continue reading
The holiday season is just around the corner and for some it’s a time to get together with pretty much anyone and everyone. Or is it? One of the issues I hear about in my office is questions about neighbors … Continue reading
One of the subjects that comes up most often in my office is issues with anxiety and stress. When clients ask me how to cope, I often suggest deep breathing. The influx of oxygen can help relieve stress, and it’s … Continue reading
A reader emails: “Dear Dr. Hurd, my brother is 32. He doesn’t work. He, his wife and daughter live with our mother. They scrape by on disability, food stamps and our Mom’s generosity. I believe that his disrespect and mooching … Continue reading
A surprising number of newly retired people I see are stressed over what they’re going to do with themselves. Some tell me that they’re not qualified for the jobs they want, and others aren’t interested in the jobs for which … Continue reading
An online quiz suggests that constant concern about fire or burglary in your home or about catching a disease could be signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Though some attention to detail is perfectly reasonable and even necessary to avoid … Continue reading
Ahhh! The Delaware beaches! So many things to love about them: our restaurants, the surf and the sandy beaches, the quiet of the off-season, the fun evenings on the boardwalks … oh, and hungry parking meters. Barely a day goes … Continue reading
Parents of teenagers sometimes tell me that they don’t feel appreciated by their kids. “Look at all I’ve done for them,” they say. “Why can’t they show gratitude?” As reasonable as this may seem, it contains a huge error. Gratitude … Continue reading
In marriage or any relationship, financial issues can sometimes become a source of, shall we say … discussion … when debating what to purchase or maybe just where to have dinner tonight. If these issues seem to repeat themselves, perhaps … Continue reading
After practicing psychotherapy professionally for over 40 years, one can’t help but notice patterns. Problems may take different forms, but the core issues often fall into just a few categories. Life doesn’t need to be as hard as some people … Continue reading