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
There’s a saying that suggests that you should never do business with friends. I received an email from a reader who did business here locally with a friend, and now there are problems with the expensive item she purchased. The … Continue reading
Regulars here at Life’s a Beach! know that I describe myself as a cognitive therapist. Has an impressive scientific ring, don’t you think? But aside from sounding official, just what is it? People ask me, “Cognitive therapy is all well … Continue reading
I often see newly retired people in my office, and many of them 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 … Continue reading
People often tell me that they don’t feel motivated to do this or that, i.e., they lack a sense of conviction that they have a good reason to do something. Why? Because that reason must be connected in some way … Continue reading
A while ago I wrote about the Rehoboth Beach mugging and beating of a newspaper reporter from Washington, D.C. After the attack, the victim commented publicly that he “hoped someone would put him (the criminal) on a better track.” In … Continue reading
I’d like to add the name of Cesar Millan (National Geographic Channel’s “Dog Whisperer” from 2004 to 2012) to the ranks of the mental health establishment. He never failed to consistently deliver on his assertion, “I rehabilitate dogs. I train … Continue reading
A Wave reader emails that her 22-year-old son graduated from college in May and has returned home to live. She loves having him here, but also realizes that he needs to get on with his life. He can’t find a … Continue reading
Couples ask me about money issues all the time. There are as many ways to deal with finances as there are individuals involved. One way is to maintain separate bank accounts. Another is to combine the money, no matter how … 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
Just when I start to wonder if all this writing is worth it, I get an email like this: “Dear Dr. Hurd, I strive to live up to the ideals you promote in your column. I like to quote your … Continue reading
People often ask me, “What does a psychotherapist do? What happens in psychotherapy?” The short answer is that we help people identify what’s bothering them about other people in their lives, and help them figure out how to change the … Continue reading