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 →

Before you donate your time or money to the many charities and causes out there, first nurture your sense of self. To truly help others, you must feel good about you. Most of us are taught to not be ‘selfish.’ … Continue reading →

I get a lot of questions about hypnosis. The most common misperception is that it’s a state of unconsciousness, like sleep. Actually, most experts define hypnosis as a ‘special psychological state with certain physiological attributes, resembling sleep only superficially and … Continue reading →

I spend a lot of time writing about how you can change the way you feel by changing the way you think. In other words, considering the facts as they actually are and then allowing your feelings to follow suit. … Continue reading →