A lot of professional Facebook posts talk about what an individual or business does and why they do it better than everyone else. This one, however, is a bit different. I’m writing about what I don’t do as a therapist. Curious? Then read on… 1. I'm not Judge Judy. My role isn't to decide the ...read more
When “Addict” Becomes a Bad Word
“You’re an addict,” the rehab counselor says firmly as she locks eyes with her young client. “And what’s more, you will always be an addict for as long as you live.” Factually, her advice is correct. Addiction is a chronic disorder. But does labeling a person “addict” do more harm than ...read more
Do We Inadvertently Stigmatize Mental Health?
I recently read an article explaining different forms of “mental illness”. It described a myriad of conditions from schizophrenia, to major depression, to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD for short). My one concern was the author’s use of the word "illness". On the medical side, that term ...read more
The “EMDR” Treatment for Trauma
It was a beautiful autumn day. She had just seen her doctor. The news was bad. So she wandered into a nearby park. Upset. Scared. Then she noticed them. Flocks of red-breasted robins flying in V-formation, left to right, across the azure sky. She watched intently as they passed. She became lost in ...read more
Suffering in Silence: Cops and Booze
Police officers have been a hot topic in the news recently, and not always in a favorable light. Many of us, it seems, either love them or hate them, with no middle ground. But then maybe that's always been the case. The old joke was that we love them when they rescue Miss Kitty from the storm ...read more