Deep breathing is an effective technique for relaxation. The influx of oxygen can help relieve stress, and it’s a lot less risky and expensive than medication. But, like medication, oxygen is only a temporary fix. In other words, it’s no … Continue reading →

A subject that often arises in my office is the art (and science) of organizing schedules and planning goals. Many people tell me that they usually err on the side of making their schedules too inflexible. It is true that … Continue reading →

It’s a rare social event where somebody doesn’t ask me to tell them what spouses and couples complain about the most. I see so many problems: money, kids, in-laws (!) — it’s tough to nail it down. But if I … Continue reading →

A popular misconception about psychotherapy is that it’s all about the past. This probably stems from the clich image of the bearded Freudian psychoanalyst quietly dozing in his leather chair — not to mention the circus parade of insipid ‘self-help’ … Continue reading →

A new University of Wisconsin-Madison imaging study shows the brains of people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have weaker connections between a brain structure that controls emotional response, and the amygdala, which plays a key role in the processing of … Continue reading →

A reader tells me that her sister is not a good parent. Though she leaves her kids alone at all hours, speaks rudely to them and feeds them fast-food every day, she resents the fact that they don’t appreciate her. … Continue reading →

People sometimes tell me that their spouses, family members or friends accuse them of being ‘too sensitive.’ Being told you’re too sensitive is basically the same as somebody saying, ‘I don’t like what you’re feeling.’ And that can certainly be … Continue reading →

I have a friend who has been single for years. She is attractive and popular. In spite of her independence, she very much hopes to one day be in a comfortable relationship — maybe even get married. A worthy goal, … Continue reading →

Is it a sign of true friendship to ignore a friend’s flaws? Not necessarily. If someone is your friend, doesn’t it make sense to try and stop her from making a mistake? You can’t control her or do her thinking … Continue reading →

A Wave reader emails that her father used to tell her to ‘not be a quitter.” But when she realizes she’s fighting a losing battle, she feels guilty just ‘letting it go.’ She asks at what point does being a … Continue reading →

A Wave reader emails that her relative, a young woman of 19, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She asks if it is a valid diagnostic label or just another excuse to justify bad behavior. Psychiatrists define bipolar disorder as … Continue reading →

People often ask me to define cognitive behavioral therapy in simple terms. Well, a great example of CBT at work can be viewed at an unlikely source: Chef Robert Irvine’s Food Network series, Restaurant Impossible. FoodTV.com describes the show as … Continue reading →