It may feel like life during Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an insurmountable challenge, with demands to work from home, worries about people you love, and a feeling of hopelessness. While I can’t make this all go away (I’d have to be more than an ordinary psychotherapist!), I do have some tips for coping on a daily basis and how to feel … [Read more...]
COVID-19 Dating: New Rules of Engagement in the Age of Social Distancing
It’s a bit of a cliché now to say “everything has changed” in 2020. But, let’s face it, a lot of what we deemed normal has been transformed — perhaps forever. In such an environment, where do dating, sex, and romance fit in? Existing couples have had their share of challenges. It is a completely different story for those who are not yet … [Read more...]
Competition? Or Ambition!
What’s the difference between competition and ambition? Let’s look at competition... A competition is between you and others. Someone’s going to win, and it better be you! So you compare yourself to others, looking over your shoulder to see who’s gaining on you, looking ahead to see who’s outpacing you. You find yourself hoping that he or she … [Read more...]
Dealing with the death of a pet
Why is dealing with the death of a pet so hard? Fluffy or Fido is just an animal, right? So what’s the big deal? Many people who didn’t grow up with pets often don’t understand and will say something insensitive: “Why are you so upset? Your dog died. It’s not like it’s your mother!” What's the big deal if a pet dies? Let's look at what pets … [Read more...]
Incompatible Travel Styles? 5 Tips from a Couples Therapist for a Great Trip!
You’ve hired Fifth Meridian to plan an unforgettable travel experience for you, but what do you do if you and your travel partner have incompatible travel styles and ideas for vacations? Does that mean a tension-filled travel experience is in your future? Or that you can’t possibly travel together? Or, if you’re a couple, that your … [Read more...]
Sexual Assault Survivors, Christine Blasey Ford, and Brett Kavanaugh
The Senate Judiciary hearings on the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice, including the televised testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, in September 2018, returned the #MeToo issues of sexual assault survivors and those who have endured sexual harassment to the glare of the public spotlight. This testimony reactivated … [Read more...]
Parenting Lessons from the Movie “Eighth Grade”
Is it better to be your child’s parent or their friend? There are many parenting lessons in the movie "Eighth Grade," comedian Bo Burnham’s directorial film debut, which is a squirm-fest tour de force. Eighth grade is a painful life phase and movie Kayla, the main character, allows viewers to experience the self-involved cringe-inducing anxiety … [Read more...]
Calculating Math of a Good Time!
You may be great at math, but not so accomplished at calculating math of a good time. What does calculating math of a good time even mean? This is the second part of a look at alcohol or substance use or misuse. (See “The 5 Stages of Intoxication.”) Calculating math of a good time Have you ever had a fun night out with friends, drinking some … [Read more...]
The 5 Stages of Intoxication
Are you over-drinking? Some people say there are 5 stages of intoxication: jocose, verbose, bellicose, lachrymose, and comatose. Others add grandiose, morose, and adios! Let’s take a closer look. Understanding the 5 stages of intoxication Jocose means humorous or playful, joking. When you’re in this state, you’re friendly, engaging, fun to be … [Read more...]
In the News: Quoted in March 13, 2018 Well + Good
I was recently quoted in the following Well + Good article by Zoe Weiner . Hope you enjoy! Could your phone be ruining your relationship? Zoe Weiner, March 13, 2018 Photo: Stocksy/KKGAS Ah, date night. A cute outfit, a drool-worthy plate of gluten-free fettuccini, a few kombucha cocktails… and both of you … [Read more...]