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 Because of her frustration over what they say and think, she has become disgusted and withdrawn.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
A surprising number of newly retired people I see are stressed over what they’re going to do with themselves. Some tell me that they’re not qualified for the jobs they want, and others aren’t interested in the jobs for which … Continue reading
A teenager emails that his parents treat him more harshly than they treat his older brother. They are not abusive, but they consistently hold him to a stricter standard. His brother gets Cs and they don’t say anything. But when … Continue reading
One of the most common questions I encounter in my office end up being about relationships. Couples often tell me that they don’t feel “connected,” or that their relationship failed because they were not “connected.” When I ask them what … Continue reading
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