TV sitcoms and movies are full of amusing portrayals of controlling mothers. Interestingly, most 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
People sometimes tell me how concerned they are that they — or their children — not be “losers”. They’re almost always surprised when I tell them that losing can actually be good for your mental health. In a competitive sense, … Continue reading
When it comes to teenagers, one of the subjects that comes up in my office is interpersonal relationships — especially sex. In a study presented at a meeting of the American Public Health Association, researchers at the University of Kentucky … Continue reading
Do you sometimes put off until tomorrow what you should really do today? Well, you’re not alone. People often tell me that their procrastination is so bad that it causes problems and stress in their jobs and in their personal … Continue reading
A reader sent an email asking me why some health professionals refer to her son’s behavioral problems as a “disease”. She says it makes her son feel worse about himself and even seems to deepen his depression. The whole idea … Continue reading
A reader emailed about an incident involving her longtime boyfriend. Apparently they have been dating for several years. As their relationship progressed, they began to discuss the possibility of moving in together. It was during those discussions that she began … Continue reading
Speak reasonably. For example, instead of, “Just say no to drugs”, say, “If you use drugs, you can harm your body and mind. You might get addicted, make less money and have to depend on others to live. Is that … Continue reading
I published this article over six years ago, and I’ve since received a number of emails asking me to reprint it. If you’ve been out on the highways over the last few weekends, I think you will agree that this … Continue reading
Vacation can be the perfect time to celebrate the positive aspects of being in a committed relationship. But there are negative aspects as well, and I see them every day. It’s not my intention to cast a shadow over a … Continue reading
Events over the past few years have demonstrated that how we say things can change our view of them. For example, the other day a parent told me that her son “has anger issues.” Her comment referred to an unexplained, … Continue reading
My therapy office is exactly eleven steps from the waiting room. About a minute ago, I found myself standing out there, utterly clueless as to why I went in the first place. Whatever my perfectly good reason had been for … Continue reading
A reader emails me about disagreements she has with her friend. Their differences are on very fundamental levels, and she wonders if there is a point that two people reach when the gap between their values is simply too wide. … Continue reading