Many people assume that mental health is a matter of either medicine or moral weakness. The medicine side assumes that pills can eradicate mental illness. The moral side assumes that troubling emotions stem from weakness of character. Both sides are … Continue reading
From 2004 to 2012, National Geographic Channel ran a reality show called “Dog Whisperer” where the talented Cesar Millan helped pet owners deal with their generally misbehaving dogs. I would like to add Mr. Millan to the ranks of the … Continue reading
People ask me all the time about the fear of flying. They usually follow it up by stating that without flying they would never go anywhere interesting. Then they ask me what to do. Under normal circumstances, that can be … Continue reading
According to a study done by LinkedIn.com, three-quarters of employees dislike or hate their jobs because of the boss. That might make for great cartoons on Facebook, but let’s take a closer look: If you dislike your boss because he … Continue reading
Barely a week goes by where somebody doesn’t ask me what mistake people make most often when dealing with family and friends. Regular readers of this page can probably predict my answer: The biggest mistake people make is trying to … Continue reading
Regulars here at Life’s a Beach! know that I regularly refer to the term “cognitive therapy”. Has an impressive scientific ring, don’t you think? But aside from sounding official, just what is it? People ask me, “Cognitive therapy is all … Continue reading
Labor Day is past, and our resort suddenly turns back into a small town. And one of the most common off-season complaints I hear, is: “Everybody knows your business.” Though it’s a widespread feeling, it’s not entirely accurate. Nobody knows … Continue reading
A valued reader of this column writes that she disagrees with some of her friends regarding politics. (Surprise, surprise.) Because of her frustration over what they say and think, she has become disgusted and withdrawn. She says that if she … Continue reading
Today’s culture of bad news and scandal has generated lots of letters and emails from readers. Basically, they ask me how they can keep from being cynical, but at the same time not be naïve in the face of negativity … Continue reading
Texting has become a basic part of modern communication. I even use it to communicate with my clients. But given the apparent need some people have to stay relentlessly in touch, mental health experts are asking if texting can become … Continue reading
It’s a rare day when a client doesn’t ask me about kids and responsibility about money. From my point-of-view of having talked to thousands of people about their childhoods (while simultaneously observing how they now live their adult lives), I’ve … Continue reading
One of the questions people ask me all the time is how a person can approach a loved one or a friend about their drinking without the loved one or friend going on the defensive. Years ago, one of those … Continue reading