How often have we heard – or even said, “I’ve had a hard day. I need a drink – or a nice big meal — or a cigarette.” In the face of stress, it can be tempting to self-medicate with … Continue reading
There are all kinds of myths about therapy. Many have been perpetrated by all that feel-good nonsense on daytime TV where unwitting victims have been led to believe that their therapy visit will be an instant cure for whatever ails … Continue reading
People are often surprised when I suggest that one of our coaching goals will be to help them think, i.e., trusting their senses, and integrating reality into abstract conclusions. Rational thought is necessary to intelligently answer big questions like, “Should … Continue reading
From time to time I have the pleasure of sitting in for one of the daytime talk hosts at 92.7 and 98.5 radio (WGMD). I love the listeners’ calls (keep ‘em coming!), and one of the questions that comes up … Continue reading
A Delaware Wave reader emails, “Dear Dr. Hurd, I am afraid of blood pressure measurements. It started three years ago when I had a panic attack. My blood pressure was high, and the emergency medical team mistook it for a … Continue reading
“Many a truth is said in jest.” Sounds nice, but where does joking end, and emotional abuse begin? One of the most common complaints I hear about people from family members or friends is that, “She pretends that she’s joking, … Continue reading
A reader asks me why some health professionals refer to her son’s behavioral problems as a “disease.” She says it makes her son feel worse about himself and even seems to deepen his depression. The whole idea behind calling behavioral … Continue reading
In a previous column I commented on a news story about a young man’s decision to donate (or not to donate) part of his liver to his father, in light of the fact that the alcoholic father, by ignoring his … Continue reading
When I first bought a home at the beach, an acquaintance here told me that I’d be surprised at how many “friends” I’d have after they found out I live in Rehoboth. Though I welcome the opportunity to interact personally … Continue reading
People ask me all the time, “So what’s better? Psychiatric drugs or talk therapy?” Regular visitors to this page know that ideas and thoughts are the cause of emotions and actions, and that psychiatric drugs cannot be the primary tool … Continue reading
Caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware! Like any product or service you buy, you should be sure that the mental health professional you choose is right for you. My latest book, “Bad Therapy, Good Therapy (And How to Tell the … Continue reading
Parents of teenagers sometimes often tell me that they don’t feel appreciated by their kids. “Look at all I’ve done for them,” they say. “Why can’t they show gratitude?” As reasonable as this may seem, it contains a huge error. … Continue reading