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
People regularly ask me what factors or behaviors can prevent a person from finding a loving relationship. The answer boils down to a combination of reasons, the first of which is simply not searching persistently enough. One must always be … Continue reading
Barely a day goes by that we don’t hear some “expert” refer to alcohol and drug problems as medical diseases. Though some in my field still maintain those false beliefs, many more are finally waking up to the fact that … Continue reading
We hear the word “crazy” being thrown around just about every day. “He’s crazy to say that!” Or, “She must be crazy to believe that!” In the great majority of cases when people call another person crazy they don’t really … Continue reading
It’s a rare moment when we don’t experience an emotion. But is it based in fact, or is it just a reaction (right or wrong) to some stimulus around us? When you experience an emotion, it’s important to identify it … Continue reading
Regular readers of this column know that I have written over and over that love is not sacrifice. When you love someone, you want them to be happy. When someone loves you, you want them to do something for you … Continue reading
From time to time clients will tell me that they like to read peppy little affirmations first thing in the morning. But interestingly enough, some clients tell me that these fluffy, hyperbolic one-size-fits-all sentences feel like nothing more than false … Continue reading