For many of us we think of negative words when we think about divorce – either our own or those of our friends. Words like conflict, pain, heartbreak, sadness and loss. Many find that a divorce is the end of a dream for the future, one where we see ourselves growing old with our spouse, surrounded by grown children. Today, however, not all divorces have to be horrible and destructive. A larger than ever number of couples are discovering that it is possible to enter the divorce process … [Read more...]
Why is a Cosmetics Company Involved in Mental Health?
November 3, 2025 By
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...]
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...]
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...]