Regular Checkups: The Value of Maintenance Care

“The depression symptoms are just so bad again,” my patient (fictional) sighed as she settled in on my couch after a six month absence. “I’m having the guilt feelings, sadness, no energy, trouble sleeping, and I’m gaining weight because of stress eating. I know you...

Signs of Codependency

You Won’t Change, So I Must Be Doing Something Wrong: A Quick Look at Codependency Codependency is excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically a partner who requires support due to an illness or addiction. Being in relationship with an...

Tips for Coping with Panic Attacks

Always begin with a visit to your doctor or health care provider to ensure that there is not an underlying medical cause to your symptoms. Don’t self-diagnose. Panic attack symptoms include: Shortness of breath Tightness in the chest Rapid heartbeat Inability to...

Healing The Past: Children of Narcissistic Parents

“Why is getting along with my mother so hard?” said my client, sighing deeply as she wiped away tears in session. “I feel anxious all of the time, I’m depressed, and I can’t even hear her sigh of disapproval on the phone without wanting...

Healthy Self-Talk: Be Your Own Cheerleader

“I just can’t do ANYTHING right,” my client sighed as she settled further into the couch. ‘I should just accept that I am fat, depressed and a failure at relationships. Nothing will help me.” And as long as she chooses to continue talking...

How to Handle Divorce: Ten Quick Tips

1. Protect the children. Children have a deep psychological need to think well of BOTH parents. Avoid letting them hear you put down or say bad things about the other parent, regardless of how justified you feel in saying these things. 2. Depend on the experts. Well-...