“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 surprising number of newly retired people I see in my office 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 … Continue reading
Today’s endless publicity about criminal acts is inevitably accompanied by some of the victims commenting publicly that they “hope someone will put the criminal on a better track.” In fact, research over the years has exposed the fallacy of such … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press reader sent me an interesting email. He had asked his family doctor what she would do if she suddenly had millions of dollars. Would she still work? Would she stop working? The doctor said she would … Continue reading
Barely a day goes by without reading about some high-profile celebrity in trouble. Examples include the infamous Harvey Weinstein, as well as House of Cards’ star, Kevin Spacey. Such celebrities faced charges of sexual wrongdoing, and were given a pause … Continue reading
It’s easy to lose perspective when you have doubts about your relationship. But sometimes a temporary setback can be mitigated by asking yourself one question: “Does my relationship/marriage make my life better than it otherwise would be?” In other words, … Continue reading
This may sound strange coming from a therapist, but I’m perpetually disgusted with the majority of self-help babble in bookstores or worse yet on daytime TV. My gripe is with the emphasis on “how to.” “How to” I feel better. … Continue reading
Writing at Psychology Today, psychotherapist Amy Morin offers some reasons why teenagers seem more anxious nowadays. But do we actually know teens are more anxious than ever? And more anxious compared to when? Like so many things in print, we … Continue reading
Rarely does a day go by then somebody doesn’t say, “Can you help me?” Well, yes … and no. A good therapist can help you identify your beliefs, what behaviors you choose to exhibit, and whether those choices and beliefs … Continue reading
Depression, anxiety and anger management get a lot of press, but what about bitterness? Things seem to be looking up for the bitter among us: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has considered classifying bitterness as a mental disorder. A statistic … Continue reading
A Delaware Wave reader writes that her father died almost 18 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 her … Continue reading
Events over the past few years have demonstrated that how we say things can change our view of them. For example, a parent recently told me that her son “has anger issues.” Her comment referred to an unexplained, and frankly … Continue reading