Now, more than ever, people are fighting over politics. But fighting within families and among friends is not new. Susan Heitler, Ph.D., writes in Psychology Today online: “The impulse to convince others of the rightness of your view and the … Continue reading
Clients often ask me if the children (or adults) in their lives are just looking for attention when they “act up” or become emotionally distraught. This is often true, but the goal isn’t attention as much as what I call … 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
Monk, author, social activist and poet Thomas Merton wrote, “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone — we find it with another.” As wise as it might sound, the quote implies … Continue reading
Barely a day goes by that I don’t receive notes from readers asking how to discuss emotional issues rationally; politics in particular. One of the first tools I suggest it to ask questions. Don’t ask hostile questions; just honest, thoughtfully … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press reader emails that her father used to tell her to “not be a quitter.” But when she realizes she’s fighting a losing battle, she feels guilty just “letting it go.” She asks at what point being … Continue reading
When clients ask me about relaxation exercises, I often suggest deep breathing. The influx of oxygen can help relieve stress, and it’s a lot less risky and expensive than medication. But, like medication, oxygen is only a temporary fix. In … Continue reading
Are you a “worry wart?” If so, then read on. If not, then don’t worry about it — unless you’re worried that you might miss something good…. Life can be difficult, and for the most part, worrying seems to be … Continue reading
A few weeks ago we celebrated Valentine’s Day. For some, the day is intertwined with warm feelings of love and romance. But in life – Valentine’s or not – it’s important to remember that to genuinely love someone, that person … Continue reading
Couples therapy can be stressful for everyone involved. One of the questions that parents often ask me is whether it’s right or wrong to stay together solely for the sake of the children. Their premise is that their primary obligation … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My mother is 91, lives alone, doesn’t drive, and is in pretty good health. Since she moved here, she has become very manipulative. She exaggerates her hearing and vision problems, and invents situations to get what she … Continue reading
Many years ago I spoke to a woman who was thoroughly fed up with a friend of hers. She just didn’t enjoy being with him any longer. Though she had already decided to back away from him altogether, she still … Continue reading