How many times today will somebody ask you how you’re feeling? But is feeling good the primary goal of our human experience? Wait … before you turn the page, think about it: Does it always feel good to do the … Continue reading
Barely a day goes by when somebody doesn’t ask me if they should blame their parents for various problems that might have arisen in childhood. No matter what the specific issue, my response is always the same: You can hold … Continue reading
Over the years I’ve encountered clients who tell me that certain sounds make them feel uncomfortable and angry. A bit of research introduced me to the term “misophonia”: a debilitating situation where a “trigger stimulus” (some sort of sound) becomes … Continue reading
In spite of the fact that warmer weather is just around the corner, I still encounter people who feel depressed and gloomy not only through the winter but even as the promise of spring is within reach. This is often … Continue reading
TV sitcoms and movies are full of amusing portrayals of controlling mothers. Interestingly, many of the people who ask me serious questions on this subject are, in fact, mothers themselves, and they’re usually referring to experiences with their own mothers. … Continue reading
I love this quote from Will Rogers: “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” And it’s true – on many levels. In my experience, much of this … Continue reading
One of the questions I regularly encounter in my office 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 lot of people like to read peppy little affirmations first thing in the morning. But some clients tell me that fluffy, hyperbolic one-size-fits-all platitudes feel like nothing more than false hype. That annoyance can make it difficult to absorb … Continue reading
People often ask me how they can find an effective therapist in their area. Of course this gives me a great opportunity to promote my book, “Bad Therapy, Good Therapy (And How to Tell the Difference).” Short of ending this … Continue reading
Many people are under the impression that they can avoid trouble in their relationships by not arguing. They mistakenly assume that the absence of fighting – or any disagreement – is an indication that the relationship is healthy. But that … Continue reading
Contrary to what the drug companies would have you think, anxiety can sometimes be useful and necessary. Like, for example, when that anxiety triggers a call to sensible action. Let’s say you feel anxious at the sight of an oncoming … Continue reading
Friends who own restaurants are telling me more and more about potential employees who present glowing resumes, then don’t come close to living up to what they claimed they knew. The next thing you know they’re applying for unemployment. I … Continue reading