Why is a Cosmetics Company Involved in Mental Health? The first words I read in the full-page ad in the New York Times on October 10th were “Be Brave. Have The Talk. Help A Friend.” The ad offered a free 10-minute training so that you would know how to talk to a friend who you thought might be struggling with depression or anxiety. I asked myself why Maybelline New York was sponsoring this training? I knew the statistics were worrisome. 50% of young adults suffer from depression or … [Read more...]
How Do You Know If Your Psychologist is a Good Therapist?
July 15, 2025 By
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...]
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
January 24, 2025 By
Joan was a combat veteran who made it through two wartime postings without having PTSD. She prided herself on her toughness and resilience. Never did she expect that she would be dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD) once home in the United States, but Joan was raped while walking on a New York City street by herself one night. She never reported it, felt embarrassed and ashamed that she had not fought off her attacker, and feared dealing with her symptoms of sleeplessness and … [Read more...]
Election Stress
October 28, 2024 By
According to the America Psychological Association’s Stress in American survey, more than 7 in 10 adults said that the future of the country is a major source of anxiety for them, with the presidential election following at 69%. Worry about violence after the election is a prominent fear as is worry that democracy will end in the United States. If you are one of those who does not sleep well because of the upcoming election and the stress of politics, here are some suggestions to help you … [Read more...]
Film Review: “Inside Out 2” – Understanding Anxiety’s Effect on Teens (and Adults too!)
October 16, 2024 By
This past June, a very important film for understanding emotions was released called “Inside Out 2.” The original movie, “Inside Out, “released in 2015, put its viewers into the shoes of Riley, a typical pre-teen girl and introduced the viewer to the five major emotions that controlled her life, Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness, very typical emotions for a girl that age. As Riley nears puberty and her teenage years, her emotional system takes a sharp turn, and this is where “ Inside Out … [Read more...]