Trigger warnings and safe spaces. You may be wondering what in the world they are. This August 26, 2016 article in the New York Times about the University of Chicago’s welcome letter to incoming freshmen explains the terms. The article generated 1312 comments from readers before the comment section was closed. There are many other … [Read more...]
Am I Depressed? 13 Related Symptoms and Transitions
Symptoms of Depression These are some common symptoms of depression: Feelings of hopelessness Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy No interest in planning for the future Difficulty concentrating Persistent sadness Feeling empty Loss of interest in sex Significant weight loss when not dieting, or weight gain … [Read more...]
Stop Trying!
Nearly 30 years ago when I worked in an alcohol-drug treatment center, a favorite gambit of counselors was to toss a tissue on the floor and say “I’m trying to pick up the tissue.” Of course nothing happened. Then they'd say, “Okay, now I’m picking up the tissue” and would actually pick it up. “I’m trying to lose weight.” “I’m trying … [Read more...]
Benefits Of Couples Therapy
Every interpersonal relationship requires work and maintenance, especially romantic relationships. Whether it’s a long term dating relationship, a long lasting engagement, or a marriage, all couples eventually experience problems they need to address together. It’s the way two people go about addressing those problems that makes a couple stronger … [Read more...]
What’s Love Got to Do with It? Everything!
On May 28, 2016, the New York Times published an article about love and marriage that received enormous attention and over 500 comments from readers: "Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person." There are some points I agree with and others that I don't, but what's important is that the article sparked thoughts and discussions, and prompted … [Read more...]
Depression Treatment & Pregnant Women: Meds or Therapy?
In a New York Times article (April 26,2016) entitled "Treating Pregnant Women for Depression May Benefit Baby, Too," writer Nicholas Bakalar discusses a study showing the health risks for babies whose depressed mothers weren't medicated, and the physical benefits for the babies of depressed women who took anti-depressants during their … [Read more...]
Relationship Villain? Or Not?
Do you have to make someone a villain to spend less time with them or to break up? This was a recent topic of conversation with a young adult woman, and is a great question. She is pulling away from some friends she had in high school, and realized that in order to do so, she had focused on the qualities she didn't like and made them all-bad in … [Read more...]
Unrealistic Relationship Expectations? Learn the Realistic Alternative!
What do you, Cinderella, and Prince Charming have in common, aside from being a great catch professionally and personally? If you're like most people, you and these storybook characters share some unrealistic relationship expectations. Fast-forward to five years after the hero and heroine ride off into the sunset, and I bet we'll see that things … [Read more...]
Reframing: How to Think Your Way Through Difficulties
If you're struggling with a situation, you may benefit from reframing, that is, changing your attitude toward it. This is especially helpful when you have a resentment. Ever notice how you feed your resentments? Chew them over, and go through the details of exactly how you were wronged by the other person? Reframing is the opposite. It’s … [Read more...]
Attachment Parenting Goes to College
“Helicopter Parents Learn College Is Time For A Landing,” by Nicole Dieker on www.nbcnews.com is a helpful look at how to adapt attachment parenting to the needs of older children. This ensures that parents launch their children into college life, rather than keeping them as dependent upon the parents as they were as high … [Read more...]