I received an email from a reader who echoes my philosophy that ideas are the cause of emotions and actions. She went on to say that she felt that psychiatric drugs cannot be the primary tool for correcting negative thoughts … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, Why do people sometimes back away from friends who are very sick or who are mourning the death of a loved one? Last year, my husband got a terminal illness and passed away suddenly. During his illness, … Continue reading →

I’m pleased to (finally!) announce the publication of my third book, ‘Bad Therapy, Good Therapy (And How to Tell the Difference).’ Among other things, it contains real-life examples of how some kinds of therapy can actually be harmful. Like any … Continue reading →

Letters like these make my day: ‘Dear Dr. Hurd: I was always taught in school and in church to be selfless when it comes to others’ needs and what they are thinking. But as I enter my mid-70s, I have … Continue reading →

I often speak to people who proudly describe themselves as “perfectionists.” However, after we talk for a while, it’s interesting how many of their anxieties appear to center around that very thing. Though ‘perfectionist’ has a virtuous ring to it, … Continue reading →

We all know people who overdo things. I often see clients who are concerned about their loved ones and wonder if excessive habits such as smoking or drinking could open the door to an addiction to something harmful. Indeed, the … Continue reading →

A reader emails that her husband harps on her to moderate her drinking, smoking, eating, etc. She knows he loves her, but she worries that his concern for her health isn’t enough to motivate her to restrain herself. She tries … Continue reading →

One of the recurring themes I see here at the beach has to do with people who are newly retired and stressed over what they’re going to do with themselves. Many tell me that they’re not qualified for the jobs … Continue reading →

There’s no escaping it. Spring cleaning time is here, and the perennial question again presents itself: Do you haul even more stuff to the attic or basement — or toss it? Nothing should ‘go to waste,’ right? Wrong! “Wasteful” means … Continue reading →

In his latest book, ‘The Myth of the ‘Out of Character’ Crime,’ clinical psychologist and author Stanton Samenow writes, “No matter how grim the situation, no threat by an authority or anyone else can compel someone to change against his … Continue reading →

English novelist George Eliot wrote, ‘Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.’ In this chatty age when just about anybody, qualified or not, can mount their electronic soapbox and spout off, the quiet … Continue reading →

Regulars here at Life’s a Beach! know that I often describe myself as a cognitive therapist. Has a nice scientific ring to it, don’t you think? Aside from sounding official, just what is this kind of therapy? People ask me, … Continue reading →