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?
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...]
Childless vs. Child-Free: A Nuanced Look at Two Paths Without Children
May 23, 2025 By
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
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...]
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...]