Discussion Forum (20)

The Connections between Emotional Stress, Trauma and Physical Pain

Studies have shown that chronic pain might not only be caused by physical injury but also by stress and emotional issues. In particular, people who have experienced trauma and suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are often at a higher risk to develop chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as prolonged physical pain that lasts [...]

Rage, Shame and the Death of Love

Concealed deep within the human psyche lies an enduring world, a kingdom which exists and yet is separate from our awareness.  Within this shrouded domain reside the remnants of intensely painful experiences that were propelled out of sight for safe keeping.  These imprints that were thrown into the unconscious eventually form into a structure that [...]

Anxiety Disorders in Children: How Do They Manifest?

The human body is an amazing machine, providing exactly what you need at the very moment that you need it. When you exercise, your body produces sweat to cool itself off. When you need energy, you feel hungry, leading you to eat and supply the needed energy. Likewise, anxiety is a normal aspect of the [...]

Why Do Relationships Fail?

As an outpatient psychologist, I have been in practice over twenty years. I see eight conditions every day and the one that stands out the most is “relationships.” This includes straight but also gay ones, and more often than not the longer-term variety. While short-term relationships present with their own specific problems, it is the [...]

Organized Phone Therapy For Depression Found Cost-Effective

When people get brief, structured, phone-based cognitive behavioral psychotherapy soon after starting on antidepressant medication, significant benefits may persist two years after their first session, with only modest rises in cost. Over two years, this treatment is cost-effective, according to a randomized trial in the October 2009 Archives of General Psychiatry. “The most important reason to [...]

Raise Up a Child

I like to think of parenting both in philosophical terms as well as practical “what to dos,” so my goal is to combine the two. First, I would like you to think of what long-range goals you have for your children, rather than just what works for the moment. Also, think about separating your children from [...]

A Child Within Us Wants to Talk

Many of us have an “inner child” or an “inner younger part” who has not been heard, seen, or treated in a healthy nurturing way. As a result, whether it is an inner child, adolescent, or younger adult, feelings of being ignored, abandoned, or not loved may be retained. The memories of these unresolved feelings [...]

Here’s What A Psychologist Thinks About Bad Kid’s Behavior

As an outpatient child psychologist, I often am asked what are the most displeasing problems with kids. Here’s my list: “Yelling, Doesn’t clean room, Doesn’t obey (defiance), Ignores me or Talks back, Disrespectful, Runs around too much (hyper), Lies, Verbally or otherwise manipulates, Whines, Critical of others, Plays too many electronic games, Poor grades, Destroys things, [...]

The Power of “BEING YOU”

Giving too much of yourself and saying yes too often is something many people are accustomed to doing to avoid conflicts and feelings of guilt. A sincere desire to give is wonderful, however, there’s a distinction between giving of yourself and giving up yourself. Ignoring your own desires and views may not only deny “who [...]

4 Steps to Recognize Internal “Alarm signals”: A Pathway to Forgiveness

Learning to recognize and respond to our internal “alarm signals” which assess every situation and inform us about appropriate reactions to follow, might help us to let go of grudges and to forgive another person. A woman, whom I will call Laureen, expressed that she noticed getting upset at her friend’s comment made a day ago. [...]