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 →

I’ve received multiple emails asking me to repeat this popular article. Memorial Day weekend seems like the perfect opportunity to remind everybody to try and act civilized on the roads. As everyone shares (or pretends to share) the local roads, … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, I read your column every week, and I like what you say. But sometimes, when I try to make suggestions to my husband or my adult children, it turns into an unpleasant ‘heated discussion.’ I am truly … Continue reading →

‘An apology is a good way to have the last word.’ If this old saying is true, then why is it difficult for many people to apologize — even when they know they’re wrong? I talk to a lot of … Continue reading →

I received some interesting responses to my recent article about ‘feeling good’ being a primary goal in life. The majority of your comments centered on the role that friends, family and even TV news programs play in making us feel … Continue reading →

A Delaware Wave reader emailed me that he and his wife argue quite a bit. Though it seems destructive, he says they always make up, with the problem solved. He asks if arguing is a constructive way to solve problems. … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m a compulsive talker. My crazy need to say something or answer someone (even when no answer is required) often gets me into trouble. When I talk I get carried away. … Continue reading →