Trauma An early experience of trauma amplifies whatever difficulties you encounter afterward. This makes it hard to "bounce back" from setbacks and disappointments. I approach any trauma in a gentle, safe way, so that it's talked about—not re-experienced. You may be suffering from trauma and/or neglect and not be aware of it. Just because … [Read more...]
Treating Your Depression Helps Your Relationship
You may be aware of the effects of your depression on yourself and your daily life, but have you considered that treating your depression helps your relationship? The good news is that when you get help, so does your relationship! 5 ways treating your depression helps your relationship Renewed interest in activities you … [Read more...]
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a wonderful “lab” for learning to relate. Group therapy is a powerful way to get helpful feedback in a safe environment. Forget whatever you’ve heard about group therapy and people shouting each other down. Not in the groups I run! I create a safe, warm, supportive environment where you learn to let down your guard and be … [Read more...]
Treatment Improves Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is learning to feel good from the inside out, not by comparing yourself to others. I’ll help you learn to feel better! Many people come to New York City with dreams of finding fame and fortune. Maybe your dream is to be featured in the business section of the New York Times as someone who’s found a way to revitalize … [Read more...]
A Sense of Fun Can Be Learned in Treatment!
Fun is an attitude, as well as an activity. Your capacity for fun was shaped by your early experiences. If you didn't grow up with lighthearted parents, it's helpful to know that a sense of fun can be learned in treatment! It really is important to be able to laugh. One gauge of mental health is satisfaction in love, work, and play. And let’s … [Read more...]
8 Symptoms of Anxiety. Treatment Can Help!
Living in New York City can be stressful or wonderful. And much of how you experience it depends on how you see the world and yourself—how you think about and deal with the people and situations in your life. 8 Symptoms of Anxiety Anxiety can be a minor theme in the background of your life or it can be incapacitating, and everything … [Read more...]
“Trigger Warnings” and “Safe Spaces.” Reasonable Accommodation or Coddling?
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...]