Many clients have asked whether video therapy or telehealth virtual therapy sessions are considered as effective as therapy that is done in person. I have expressed that I would prefer to see their entire faces on a screen than to be in-person in an office and only be able to see their eyes since mask-wearing is required. Facial expressions, especially smiling, frowning, or looking sad, are key elements of understanding what a client is feeling. Being hidden behind a mask and sitting at … [Read more...]
Coping with the “What If” of Anxious Thinking (Part 1)
December 13, 2020 By
We all play the “what if” game at some time. What if I miss the train, what if my mom forgets to pick me up, what if I fail my test, what if I don’t get asked to the prom. At different ages, different kinds of “what if” thinking are more prominent. What if I don’t get the promotion, what if something bad happens to my children, what if I don’t count my bites of food and something happens to me. But when “what if “thinking paralyzes people, it keeps them from truly living their lives. When … [Read more...]
GRATITUDE
December 1, 2020 By
Thanks to Tara Parker-Pope for this eloquently worded statement of gratitude. I too give thanks to all of the people whose names I do not know, who made my life easier during the pandemic. And thanks also to the friends and family who were there virtually and in-person whose support was invaluable. Stay safe and healthy everyone. "GRATITUDE: I want to close this newsletter with an expression of gratitude to all the people who have helped us cope this year. Let’s start with our health care … [Read more...]
Alone On Thanksgiving Day?
November 18, 2020 By
Whether you are alone because your family lives far away or because the COVID-19 pandemic prevents you from being together, it is important to think about how you want the Thanksgiving holiday to go. For many single individuals, who make up about a third of all households, Thanksgiving (and Christmas or Chanukah) can feel gloomy or sad if there is no one to share it with. It is hard to ignore all those family scenes in commercials, and joyous songs just don’t make up for a shared meal and hugs … [Read more...]
How to Communicate Better with People You Care About – Part 2
October 9, 2020 By
In the previous blog, I talked about some simple rules for better communication, like avoiding old history and labeling. Today, I Want to add some more complex guidelines that are really useful when trying to navigate a difficult situation with someone you care about. It goes without saying that someone will be more receptive to hearing what you say if you keep your body language open and welcoming. How you look to others tells them how willing you are to communicate. If your arms are … [Read more...]