I continue to get reactions to my article about the Virginia Tech killings. In that column, I stated that a criminal mind, capable of committing—and justifying—such terrorist acts, was almost certainly beyond ‘help.’ While administrators and mental health workers sat … Continue reading →

Stress reduction is not necessarily about doing less in your life. In fact, many people become depressed or anxious simply because they don’t have enough to do. (Just ask anyone having a hard time adjusting to retirement!) It really boils … Continue reading →

Celebrated songwriter Neil Sedaka wasn’t far from the truth when he co-wrote the hit song ‘Breaking Up is Hard to Do.’ The emotional impact of a breakup can be devastating, with feelings ranging from bewilderment to shock, from hurt to … Continue reading →

A visitor to my web site wrote and asked me why I considered the killer in last month’s Virginia Tech shooting spree to be ‘incapable of benefiting’ from psychotherapeutic help. She was surprised that I, as a therapist, would not … Continue reading →

One of the highlights of my weekly routine is the quiet morning where I get to sit down with a cup of coffee and confront my glowing—yet still blank—computer screen. As it stares back at me, I know what it … Continue reading →

Last week, a friend told me about an experience she had at a local fast-food eatery. While standing in line, she was engaged in conversation with an elderly friend who was seated. Their voices were somewhat raised due to the … Continue reading →

  A Wave reader in South Bethany writes, Dear Dr. Hurd, I’ve always been told that it’s wrong, bad and emotionally harmful to hate. But, as I read the news and watch the goings-on in this world, it’s getting harder … Continue reading →

We hear over and over that ‘money is the root of all evil,’ or that ‘money can’t buy happiness.’ Yet, at the same time, money is a major part of our lives. Couples fight over money—in fact, I have read … Continue reading →

One of the complaints I often hear from people is that their spouses, family members or close friends accuse them of being ‘too sensitive.’ Though it is, admittedly, annoying to hear that from a loved one, is it possible, in … Continue reading →

‘You can’t do that! It’s not fair!’ ‘I never get a ‘fair shake!” How many times have we heard (and maybe even said) these things? When one is especially frustrated about the timing of events, or the pile-up of numerous … Continue reading →

  This article originally appeared in The Wave on September 28, 2005, and is being reprinted in response to your many kind requests. Cell phones, cell phones, cell phones! On the beach, the boardwalk, the highway, in the grocery store, … Continue reading →

Your emails and calls are always appreciated—and they remind me that there are people out there reading this column! That fact becomes even more evident when the occasional piece gets people a little stirred up—and apparently my article a few … Continue reading →