1. Speak reasonably; don’t command. For example, instead of saying ‘Just say no to drugs,’ say ‘If you use drugs, you can harm your body and mind. You might get addicted, make less money and have to depend on … Continue reading
Category: Life’s a Beach!
Little White Lies
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 that we probably should never have made in the first place. The majority of … Continue reading
In a panic over love
A reader emailed about an incident involving her long-time boyfriend. Apparently they have been dating for several years and getting along quite well. As their relationship progressed, they began to discuss the possibility of moving-in together and maybe even getting … Continue reading
Controlling Mothers and Other Lessons of Love
TV sitcoms and movies are full of amusing portrayals of controlling mothers. Interestingly, most of the people who ask me serious questions on this subject are, in fact, mothers themselves, and they’re usually referring to experiences with their own mothers. … Continue reading
“Seasonally Affective” Sadness
If you feel depressed or gloomy when the days become shorter and darker, you might have a touch of SAD, or ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Every year when winter rolls around, people ask me if there are ways to battle their … Continue reading
Tasteless Obsessions
It’s no surprise that losing weight is one of the top New Year’s resolutions. I’ve written before about how a commitment based on anything less than your own self-interest will often be doomed to failure. In other words, we need … Continue reading
Fail-Safe your New Year’s Resolutions
‘I’m gonna go on a diet at exactly 12:01am January 1!’ ‘I’m gonna join a health club, first thing on New Year’s Day!’ ‘I’m gonna get myself organized in the New Year!’ ‘I’m gonna ‘ I’m gonna’.’ How many New … Continue reading
Can the Internet Cure Loneliness?
In spite of the media’s relentless holiday jingling and jangling, we all know that there are still people out there who are single and maybe even live alone. Not every unattached person longs for companionship, of course, but there are … Continue reading
A Shortcut to Nowhere
Addiction is a controversial subject, bogged down in political correctness and ‘feel-good’ labels. But, like it or not, America is an addictive society, and many of us have addictions to something. My definition of addiction has grown out of more … Continue reading
How to Avoid “Victim-Think”
Rarely does a dinner party or social occasion go by that somebody doesn’t ask me what a psychotherapist does, and what actually happens behind the closed doors of a therapy session. After I resist the urge to mumble something about … Continue reading
Diets don’t work
Well, it’s that time again. Sugar cookies, eggnog, mashed potatoes, gravy, eggnog, homemade pastries, lots of snacks, eggnog ‘ you get the idea: The holiday eating frenzy is upon us. How can one possibly lose weight, much less maintain it, … Continue reading
Actions have consequences
When people come to see me for psychotherapy or life coaching, they’re often surprised when I suggest that one of our goals will be to help them think. By ‘think,’ I mean trusting their senses and then integrating reality into … Continue reading