Social connection in America is mired in an ever-increasing chasm of calamitous magnitude. Patients entering psychotherapy are increasingly struggling with feelings of isolation, loneliness, lethargy, boredom, and a loss of vitality and joie de vivre. Of concern is that this trend is escalating, resulting in a mounting sense of existential despair. Recently, I came across…
Parenting a child with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure how to respond to their needs. OCD often brings a cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can disrupt your child’s daily life. The good news is that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP),…
I have been practicing hypnosis for over 40 years and have found it to be a very effective technique to use for a variety of problems and issues. Previously, I have discussed the benefits of hypnosis and have clarified the many misconceptions people still have regarding it. In this blog, I will discuss the type…
5 Questions Every Parent Should Ask During Marking Period 1
Can you believe how time flies? You now have a high school senior who finally made it through the challenges of junior year. They’ve dealt with SATs, college visits, the application process, and final decision-making regarding which college they will attend in the fall. It should be smooth sailing from now until departure. But if…
Deciding whether to share with friends and family that you see a therapist is a deeply personal choice that can have implications for your mental health and relationships. While therapy has become more widely accepted and understood, there are still various factors to consider when determining whether to disclose this aspect of your life. Here…
In October 1984, then-president Ronald Reagan was debating his Democratic opponent, Walter Mondale, when he was asked about his age. Regan responded with his now famous line, “I want you to know that I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth…
People are having important conversations in the Neurodiverse Community. One of the most urgent conversations is the timely access to evaluations for people of all ages seeking a diagnosis. If you’ve tried calling around, you’ve been met with waitlists and delays. With the barrier to diagnostic services, individuals and parents are forced to sit idle…
Is anxiety always a negative emotion that requires treatment? Often, we think of the more maladaptive forms of anxiety—the kind that leads many to seek therapy and medication. We frequently associate that type of anxiety with excessive worry and (sometimes paralyzing) fear. It keeps us from doing what we need to do and sometimes results…
People often ask me, “Why do you work with people with such complex histories, like substance abuse, childhood trauma, and PTSD?” My surface-level response typically involves explaining that I truly believe there’s a connection between the aforementioned variables. After all, very few people with a substance abuse problem have no past traumas. I like to…