‘Empty Nest Syndrome.’ What a great name! But, despite the cute avian overtones, numerous websites and support groups devote themselves to this traumatic condition that arises for parents when the kids finally leave home. Though I have talked to many … Continue reading →

Over the years, I have talked to countless depressed people, and one thing I have learned is that regrets are a profound waste of time. The emotional cost of dwelling on ‘what could have been’ is just not worth it. … Continue reading →

A reader in Fenwick Island writes: Dear Dr. Hurd: I saved your article in the Delaware Wave from last October about facts vs. fears. I still read it from time to time, but I can’t seem to get past my … Continue reading →

The universal interest and devotion generated by Fox Network’s ‘American Idol’ never ceases to amaze me. There is no doubting the allure of the built-in interpersonal hullabaloo between Simon, Paula and the rest. Or our fascination with the nationally televised … Continue reading →

We humans are imaginative creatures. On a moment’s notice, we can dig up convincing reasons to do just about anything—good, bad or indifferent. Take overeating, for example. We have perfected a long list of motives for eating to excess—over and … Continue reading →

‘I can’t wait ’til I retire!’ ‘Ahh, retirement—no more commute, no more taking orders, no more responsibilities!’ We hear comments like these all the time from hard-working people. Indeed, the ‘holy grail’ of retirement is, and should be, the ultimate … Continue reading →

When it comes to kids, the subject of spanking is not so much a raging debate as it is a perpetually unresolved one. There’s a lot of emotion on the subject, but not a whole lot of reasoning. From a … Continue reading →

What’s wrong with spanking a child? It’s not so much a raging debate as a perpetually unresolved one. There’s a lot of emotion on the subject, but not a whole lot of reasoning. What’s a psychotherapist’s take on the subject? … Continue reading →

According to a survey, 20% of Americans believe that it is possible to communicate with the dead (Gallup Organization, 1996). Films such as ‘Bless the Child’ and ‘Sixth Sense,’ along with TV shows peddling self-proclaimed mediums such as John Edward, … Continue reading →

We all want to be in control. Life is full of unexpected developments and undesirable outcomes, so it’s just natural to try to control what we can. Sometimes, though (especially with loved ones), there is the danger of imposing this … Continue reading →

I appreciate all the email and calls I receive in response to Life’s A Beach! Not only is it nice to know that somebody’s out there reading these words, but I also get inspiration for future topics. One of the … Continue reading →

It’s probably safe to say that we all tell lies at one time or another. Most likely they’re ‘little white lies’ to spare somebody’s feelings, or to get out of some commitment—either work, or a promise we should never have … Continue reading →