Now that last week’s Thanksgiving-induced food comas are (hopefully) in the past, I got to thinking about how different people interpret the meaning of that holiday. Of course, conventional wisdom suggests that Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful. That … Continue reading
The beginning of the holiday season brings many of us closer to family and friends whom we love and cherish. Unfortunately, at least for me as a mental health professional, I then start thinking about how devastating it can be … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press reader writes that her father died almost 20 years ago. She considers herself fully recovered, but when something reminds her of him, the feelings come rushing back. She asks me if she needs medication to keep … Continue reading
Clients often tell me that they feel like they’re never going to get caught up. They worry about how (and when) they’re going to achieve all the goals they’ve set for themselves. In other words, “I’ll get to it next … Continue reading
The final notes of last month’s 2023 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival have faded away, but the music lives on, and always will. Why does music have such a profound effect on most people? From the amateur flailings of semi-sober karaoke … Continue reading
A woman I know tells me that she constantly feels jealous and threatened by her boyfriend’s popularity with others, especially women. She goes on to say that she tries to control her feelings, but nothing works. Even though she has … Continue reading
In between all the activities that characterize our summer beach resort, it helps to stand back and take a look at what matters (and what doesn’t matter) to you. In fact, this sort of self-reflection should be a part of … Continue reading
A Delaware Wave reader sent me this note: “My ‘new age’ friends are always telling me to ‘Go with your feelings and say what you feel.’ But is it advisable to just blurt out whatever pops into my head — … Continue reading
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