Psychologists Henry Cloud and John Townsend published a classic book in 1992 entitled “Boundaries: When to Say YES — When to Say NO — To Take Control of Your Life”(1). This book has been a guide for many to define where their responsibilities lay and where other people need to…
Several days ago, I was talking to two recent college graduates about choices, particularly those involving what people put into their bodies. In that context, the conversation meandered from alcohol through nicotine to marijuana – all the way to the opioid crisis; however, most of our dialog centered on recreational…
Have you ever thought to yourself someone was “the worst” or “my friend is the best”? Perhaps you have considered how you have the worst boss or how you are a terrible person because of something you did one time. These are examples of black-and-white thinking and are thoughts almost…
Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, has been quoted as saying, “Change is the only constant in life.” In Frankenstein, Mary Shelly wrote, “Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” These quotes ring true as we navigate through life. Change is constant: relocation, normal life…
“How does exercise affect your mood?”, I asked my fellow classmates after a recent early morning workout in the pool. The answers came back immediately and enthusiastically: “It helps me focus in the morning and calms me down at night. It makes me happy. If I’m stressed when I start,…
The topic of anxiety is a common one, particularly in the counseling office; indeed, at times it seems everyone is discussing “my anxiety”, the “nation’s anxiety” and “our kid’s” anxiety. Reasons we experience anxiety are many although current events currently seem to be at the top of the list. As…
Your child has been referred for a neuropsychological evaluation, but you have no idea what that means or what it will lead to. This is a commonly encountered scenario when I meet with parents and other caregivers in my office for an initial clinical interview. Parents can be understandably hesitant…
Loneliness impacts us all at one time or another. It is uncomfortable and unpleasant, but the feeling of loneliness lets us know that we are human and that we long for a connection beyond ourselves. It is not an emotion to despise, but to listen to and honor; one which…
To know someone and to be known by the other is the essence of true love. This intimacy needs to grow in a healthy relationship. A hindrance to good listening in marriage is fear of hearing the other’s true feelings. It is helpful to keep in mind that we can’t…
For many decades the fields of psychology and medicine has been concerned with pathology and “what is wrong with the patient?” Fortunately, a movement began a few years ago that has encouraged preventative care and being more proactive in healthcare. In the field of clinical psychology, this movement is known…
