Have you ever bitten your nails or cuticles when you were stressed? Or found yourself pulling on your hair while reading a book or watching TV? For many people, these behaviors come and go. But for others, they persist and are hard to control, often evolving into ongoing repetitive behaviors that are hard to control and can be emotionally distressing and physically harmful. Chrissy was a teenager who came to see me because she was pulling out her hair and her eyebrows. She had a bald … [Read more...]
When Bad Habits Aren’t Easy to Fix: Understanding Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
May 6, 2026 By
Neuroplasticity: How Your Brain Can Change and Why It Matters
March 24, 2026 By
Scientists used to think the brain could not be changed after childhood but now we know that is not true. The brain is constantly changing and that ability to change is called Neuroplasticity. Every thought, memory, movement, behavior or emotion is supported by networks of neurons communicating with one another. When you repeat an experience - whether good or bad - those connections strengthen. This is how habits form and it is also how you can change habits, with practice. For … [Read more...]
Two Kinds of Stress
September 15, 2025 By
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...]
Why Seeing a Psychologist Can Be Life-Changing
April 11, 2025 By
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
February 18, 2025 By
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...]