Two Kinds of Stress

I was sitting at my desk getting ready to finalize the curriculum for a class that I teach when I was informed via email that the books I needed for my medical residents had not arrived.  Not only had they not arrived, they had not been ordered! I thought the top of my head would explode.  I could teach the first two lectures, maybe the first four, but after that, the next two or three segments of the curriculum were blown.  I wasn’t just stressed; I was in distress.  Distress is negative … [Read more...]

How Do You Know If Your Psychologist is a Good Therapist?

In April, I wrote a blog about the courage it can take to start therapy.  After over 25 years as a psychologist, I have discovered that most people noodle around with a problem for a few months before they finally call for a psychotherapy appointment. Some get it right the first time, while others are not sure that they and their therapist are a good fit.  So I thought I would give you some guidelines to help you figure out if you are with the right person to help you solve your problems and … [Read more...]

Childless vs. Child-Free: A Nuanced Look at Two Paths Without Children

In a world where parenthood is often seen as a life milestone, choosing not to have children—or living without them due to circumstances—can be met with curiosity, confusion, or even criticism. Yet, it's important to recognize that there are differences between being childless and being child-free. These terms are not interchangeable; they reflect distinct life experiences, perspectives, and emotional realities. Childless usually refers to people who wanted children but, for various … [Read more...]

Why Seeing a Psychologist Can Be Life-Changing

It takes courage to start therapy. Chances are, whatever has been bothering you has been in your mind for a while and you have not been able to solve the problem on your own. So even if it feels scary, therapy provides a safe space to deal with thoughts and emotions, develop coping skills and improve your overall well-being.      One of the greatest benefits of therapy is that your relationship with your psychologist is confidential and non-judgemental. No matter how much you may be judging … [Read more...]

Avoiding Binge Eating

The December holidays have passed, your New Year’s resolutions have faded, and Super Bowl parties are over.  But you still find yourself perusing the pantry and refrigerator after meals and at night while you watch TV.  You may or may not crave a specific item but your brain is sending you messages about food. Should you have chocolate, cookies, potato chips or finish up the remaining lasagna?  What about a handful of those chocolate chips you were going to use to make cookies for your daughter? … [Read more...]