When you talk about your “new normal,” are you speaking in hopeful terms? Or is there a sense of resignation, sadness, and powerlessness that comes with thoughts about your life and future right now? A global health crisis, economic shutdown, and widening social division can have that effect. Recently, the "COVID-19 and Life Stressors … [Read more...]
How to Show Empathy for Your Stir-Crazy, Socially-Deprived Teen
Imagine working on a jigsaw puzzle in which the pieces keep changing size and color. Being the parent of a teen is often such a challenge. And in 2020, it’s more like working on that same jigsaw puzzle while running on a treadmill! Do the events of this year have you stretched to your parental limit? Your worries may include the adult concerns of … [Read more...]
What it Really Looks Like to Tear Down Racial Walls
Racism takes many forms. Recognizing and addressing this reality is a monumental task. But where do you start? How can you be a force for justice when everyone seems so ready to fight and divide? In order to tear down racial walls, it’s important to see them accurately first and take personal responsibility second. You’ve probably … [Read more...]
Feeling Politically Powerless? Why Action is the Antidote to Helplessness
Whatever your political persuasion, you may be feeling powerless in the run-up to the election. If so, you are far from alone. This has been an incredibly challenging year for so many pandemic-related reasons. When you factor in months of civil unrest and a looming presidential election, it can become overwhelming. Identifying and accepting … [Read more...]
Under Pressure? How to Overcome Internal & External Relationship Stress
Stress can place internal and external pressure on us as individuals. We can get worn out and out of sorts. Soon irritability and exhaustion start getting in our way. The same dynamic holds true for our relationships. In fact, as life goes on, you and your partner may directly or indirectly put a significant amount of pressure on each other. And, … [Read more...]
Try These Strategies to Keep Depression & Loneliness at Bay
Everyone knows the feeling. You hit a rough patch and just don’t feel like yourself. Others notice you’re in a funk but you put on a brave face and vow to push through it. But depression and loneliness do not work that way. Especially in a year like 2020, you cannot afford to push down your emotions and tell yourself things will be better … [Read more...]
Uncertainty Doesn’t Have to Make You Unhappy: 7 Ways You Can Still Live Well
You could not be blamed for seeing 2020 as THE year of uncertainty. Our health, our income, and our very way of life seem to be under threat and very much in flux. What if I told you that uncertainty is our constant companion regardless of pandemics, elections, and civil unrest? Every moment is chock full of possibilities — good, bad, indifferent. … [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...]
Tips for Working from Home and Feeling Better in the Time of COVID-19!
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...]
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...]