Some of the best times I had as a kid were spent in the movie theater, escaping into the realm of fantasy. Professional filmmakers refer to that sense of escape as the “willing suspension of disbelief,” where, for ninety minutes … Continue reading
I’ve written before about how some aging parents can become manipulative; appearing to be more “helpless” than they actually are. Interestingly, your responses were 100% in agreement, but many questioned how to verbally approach the issue. Well, sometimes it’s all … Continue reading
People sometimes tell me that daytime “self-help” shows leave them with the impression that their parents are to blame for many of their problems. Maybe so, maybe not, but the banality of daytime TV is NOT the place to go … Continue reading
Married couples, families and friends tell me that they fight over money more than anything else. But when I look a little closer, it becomes evident that the fighting is less about actual money and more about personal expectations and … Continue reading
Celebrated songwriter Neil Sedaka wasn’t far from the truth when he co-wrote the hit song “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” The emotional impact of a breakup can be devastating, with feelings ranging from bewilderment to shock, from hurt to … Continue reading
People often say that an apology is a good way to have the last word. If that is so, then why is it difficult for many people to apologize — even when they know they’re wrong? I talk to a … Continue reading
People often ask me why they are nervous or anxious over others’ opinions and judgments. And all of those people I talk to want to get rid of that feeling. We become “people pleasers” when we make others our standard … 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
People often ask me to define cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in simple terms. A great example of CBT at work can be viewed at an unlikely source: Chef Robert Irvine’s Food Network series, Restaurant Impossible. FoodTV.com describes the show as … Continue reading
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.” Wise words, and they work both ways. For example, if you underestimate your potential, or if … Continue reading
How many times have we heard the adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Some might call it conventional wisdom, but as far as I’m concerned it’s just conventional – at best. To place an emphasis on … Continue reading
I appreciate it when people respond to these columns. It’s nice to know that somebody’s on the other end of this keyboard. In a recent article I reiterated the fact that addictions to drugs, alcohol or whatever have been falsely … Continue reading