Grief, Loss, and Mourning
Grief is relentless. When someone you love dies, nothing feels the same. You suddenly become a distant observer of life. You wonder, “How odd that everyone still goes about their business.” A young couple holds hands as they stroll toward a movie theater; two children dash down the street toward a leafy playground; a businessman […]
A Novel Approach to Panic Attacks
Anyone who has experienced panic attacks knows how frightening and debilitating they can be. Unfortunately, panic attacks are on the rise among America youth. A recent study from the Pew Research Center finds that 70 percent of American teenagers see depression and anxiety as the leading “major problem” among their peers. When I polled the members […]
Defiant Child or Teenager? Sports to the Rescue
Do you have a defiant child or teenager who seems to challenge everything you say? In When Kids Call the Shots, I included an extensive guide for parents on how to handle children and teenagers with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). I focus on viewing defiance as a form of energy. This means that, just like […]
Do Your Panic Attacks Sound Like This?
If you’ve ever had panic attacks, this experience may sound familiar: “It just happened again. I was having a good day. Work went well, I had lunch with an old friend, and my commute home was smooth. After dinner, I decided to take a hot shower and watch a movie. After all, it was Friday night. […]
Reversing Negative Thinking Through Gratitude
Every morning I woke up with dread. No gratitude in sight. A feeling of heaviness that invaded my thoughts, weighed me down during the day and tortured me at night. I zombied my way through the world with little hope that life could change. I even questioned the value of living. My family was hit […]
Are Bad Friends Holding You Back?
Recently, I met up with my roommate from college. Like many old friends, we share a secret language, referring to events and situations with a single word or glance. A raised eyebrow, a sideways look, the phrase, “What size are your bananas?” and we erupt into fits of laughter while others look on perplexed. I […]
Are Women Better Therapists for Women?
Samantha visited my psychotherapy office for a consultation. She was frustrated with her employer and witnessed men being promoted while she wasn’t even considered for new positions. Fearing a backlash against her from her boss (a man) and her colleagues (also men) if she spoke up, she started to experience panic attacks and insomnia. As […]