People often go to a psychotherapist and are disappointed. The problem, unfortunately, isn’t high expectations, so much as vague expectations. As I wrote in my first book, ‘Effective Therapy,’ ‘Psychotherapy is the misunderstood stepchild of American medicine. Erroneously stereotyped by … Continue reading →

Living in a resort can be exciting—the hustle and bustle, the events, visitors from different cities and states. But I believe it gets even more fascinating when, at season’s passing, it turns back into a small town. Interestingly enough, one … Continue reading →

  Thanksgiving, we’re told, is a time to ‘be thankful.’ Though that sounds very nice, it’s a bit too general for my taste. In an effort to be more specific, I like to look at Thanksgiving as a time of … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, I totally disagree with some of my friends on many things, especially the recent election—and now the holidays are coming up and I have to be with them. Yikes! Because of my anger and frustration over what … Continue reading →

With the summer season behind us, those of us who live in resort areas will often experience increased interaction among friends, family, partners and spouses. In spite of all the positive aspects, some of that time together might not be … Continue reading →

Halloween rituals have always fascinated me. Psychologically, the custom of dressing up in costumes asks (and answers) many questions. The religious and mystical foundations supposedly stem from the ancient belief that if you disguise yourself on this special night, a … Continue reading →

By the time you read this, the final notes of this year’s Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival will have faded away. How can music (nothing more, really, than periodic variations in air pressure) make us crave the presence of those … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, I really liked your article about being suspicious and jealous of your husband or wife, even though there’s no evidence that he or she is having an affair. But what, exactly, is ‘evidence?’ Should I get suspicious … 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 →

‘Empty Nest Syndrome.’ What a great name! 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’ve talked to many moms and … Continue reading →

I hear it every day: ‘A good marriage requires hard work and compromise.’ ‘The secret of our relationship is’ sacrifice.’ Blah, blah. Well, I have a different take on the subject. It’s not that I’m against compromise altogether. Life as … Continue reading →

A woman who visited the beach this summer sent me an email in which she admits that she constantly feels jealous and threatened by her boyfriend’s popularity with other people, especially women. She goes on to say that it’s painful … Continue reading →