Many of us tell lies at one time or another. Most likely they’re little white lies to spare somebody’s feelings, or to get out of some commitment that we probably should never have made. The majority of people feel guilty … Continue reading
Category: Life’s a Beach!
Why “Needy” People Cling (DE Wave)
People I speak to in my office will occasionally describe a significant person in their life (or even themselves) as clingy, or needy, in the emotional sense. Indeed, there are times when a partner or potential partner can cross that … Continue reading
Coping With Bad Service (DE Coast Press)
In the midst of the summer season, many of us will have increased interaction with clerks in stores and servers in restaurants. Most of us know how to conduct ourselves in public, but I often hear about people who complain … Continue reading
Be Your Own Boss (DE Wave)
According to a study done by LinkedIn.com, the #1 reason that three-quarters of employees dislike or hate their jobs is … the boss. But let’s take a closer look: If you dislike your boss because he or she has undesirable … Continue reading
Bad Therapy: Worse Than No Therapy? You Bet! (DE Coast Press)
People often ask me how they can find an effective therapist in their area. Of course this presents a great opportunity to promote my most recent book, “Bad Therapy, Good Therapy (And How to Tell the Difference).” Short of ending … Continue reading
Afraid to Fly? (DE Wave)
People ask me all the time about the fear of flying. They usually follow it up by stating that without flying they would never go anywhere interesting. Then they ask me what to do. Everything has a price. A candy … Continue reading
Is All Conflict Bad? (DE Coast Press)
Many people are under the impression that they’re avoiding trouble in their relationships by not fighting. They mistakenly assume that the absence of fighting – or some disagreement – is an indication that the relationship is healthy. But that assumption … Continue reading
The Holy Grail of Retirement (DE Wave)
“Ahh, retirement—no more commute, no more responsibilities. I can’t wait!” The holy grail of retirement is the reward for a lifetime of accomplishment and faithful employment. But for some people it ends up not living up to all it’s supposed … Continue reading
Laughter: Mood Stabilizer and Antidepressant
One of the most positive characteristics of good mental health is a sense of humor. Even as early as the 13th century, physicians and philosophers described the health benefits of laughter. Clinical psychologist Rod A. Martin, Ph.D., of the University … Continue reading
Human Beings Are Not Pack Animals (DE Wave)
Letters like these make my day: “Dear Dr. Hurd: I was always taught in school and in church to be selfless when it comes to others’ needs and what they are thinking. But as I enter my mid-70s, I have … Continue reading
Top Ten Dream Themes (DE Coast Press)
Dreams have mystified and captivated us throughout history. We spend almost six years of our lives — 2,100 days — in the shadowy world of dreams. They have predicted events, started wars, and resolved business decisions. But because of their … Continue reading
Road Rage … or Just Bad Manners? (DE Wave)
Road Rage has now become one of the latest “diseases” to be foisted upon us by the mental health profession. To make it even more official, they’ve even named it: Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED for short). According to the National … Continue reading