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 →

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 →

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 →

‘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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

As the holidays (and increased interaction with family and friends) approach, one topic that sometimes comes up is the issue of control. The squabbles, tension and hurt feelings that often result from the behaviors of a controlling person are testament … Continue reading →

You might recall reading about the recent deaths of three people at a self-help seminar in Sedona, Arizona. The seminar consisted of a ‘spiritual awakening’ event at a sweat lodge. A woman who took part in the ceremony told The … Continue reading →

A reader sent an email telling me that she feels ‘used’ by her friends and family. She wasn’t clear on the details, but I have found that some people think they’re being used just because someone gets something out of … Continue reading →