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 … [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...]
Modern Parenting: Lessons in Juggling!
Tips for managing time for your children and time with your spouse—while managing your career Modern parenting can seem more like a sprint than a marathon—but a sprint where the finish line keeps moving! You and your spouse are trying to balance work responsibilities and responsibilities to your children, and then there’s your relationship. You … [Read more...]
Logic: Joy Subtraction or Joy Addition?
A common concern voiced by patients starting treatment is that thinking things through, instead of living by impulse, leads to a boring life. In other words, logic is joy subtraction rather than joy addition. Another way they may say it is “I lead with my heart instead of my brain.” How do you lead? I have to believe that if leading with emotion … [Read more...]