Psychology

Ideology, Psychology, and Law
Ideology, Psychology, and Law is a wonderful collection of essays edited by Jon Hanson, the Alfred Smart Professor of Law and Director of The Project on Law and Mind Sciences at Harvard Law School. This is the first book edited by Hanson, whose work has appeared in six other books and many periodicals. Hanson also [...]
White Elephants
As I cried, I wanted to believe it was the alcohol that induced Mom’s words. I had to believe it was the alcohol. I don’t want them. The words rang in my ears. That’s the night my heart first broke. White Elephants is the story of Chynna Laird’s childhood with an alcoholic, bipolar mother. Not [...]
Easy Steps to Reconnect: A Guide for Emotionally Avoidant Dads
It was torture for Jason when his 13-year-old son, Dylan, gave him the “cold shoulder” and wouldn’t speak to him. Jason felt his angry reactions were justified because he believed Dylan was at fault. Jason defended his position, often lecturing Dylan. Alternatively, he would give Dylan the silent treatment right back. This would go on [...]
Clinicians on the Couch: 10 Questions with Psychologist Ryan Howes
Every month we chat with one clinician about everything from the trials and triumphs of being a therapist to his or her advice for leading a meaningful life. This month we had the pleasure of talking to Ryan Howes, Ph.D., ABPP, a board-certified, licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Pasadena, California. Howes also is a clinical [...]
Before The World Intruded: Conquering The Past And Creating The Future
Michele Rosenthal’s memoir, Before The World Intruded, is the story of her struggle with a life-threatening illness and the trauma it created. Rosenthal shares her battle with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), leading us from her diagnosis at age 13 through 24 subsequent years of psychological repercussions. Rosenthal recounts the story of how she fought for years [...]
Therapists Spill: 11 Myths About Therapy
In past pieces in the “Therapists Spill” series, clinicians have shared everything from why they love their work to how to lead a meaningful life. This month clinicians reveal the myths and misunderstandings that still persist about going to therapy. Myth 1: Everyone can benefit from therapy. Everyone who wants to engage in therapy can [...]
How to Overcome Obstacles to Positive Change
We all are faced at times with trying to persuade others to make behavioral changes, or needing to do so ourselves. These efforts can leave us feeling frustrated and helpless; our good intentions seem to be in vain. Why is it that we don’t act to change patterns, even when we promise to do so [...]
Adolescent Tragedies and My Teenager
Once again I am writing about a terrible tragedy. Fifteen dead children. Fifteen lives ended prematurely and violently. An entire community that will not recover for generations. An entire nation searching for answers that aren’t really there. Acts of violence have always been a part of human nature and will continue unless we become some [...]
Life is Full of Transitions
Retirement: “removal or withdrawal from service, office, or business;” “withdrawal into privacy or seclusion.” No wonder this word retirement seems so inappropriate as a description of what I, and many others, am in the process of doing. I will no longer be seeing patients and, at least for the moment, not generating an income. But [...]
How Can I Improve Intimacy in My Marriage?
It has become too common a refrain: There isn’t enough time. This is the excuse put forth by so many couples that I speak to in workshops and in my office. Wives and husbands are pleading that they are so overwhelmed with the demands of work and children that they simply can’t create any space [...]
Problems of Codependents
Everyone laughs when I tell them that I wrote Codependency for Dummies. But codependency is no laughing matter. It causes serious pain and affects the majority of Americans — and not just women or loved ones of addicts, as many people believe. So what is it? My definition is someone who has lost the connection [...]
Better Than Normal: How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional
Sometimes the title of a book is so intriguing that you can barely contain your eagerness in wanting to begin reading it. Such may be the case for you as well with Better Than Normal: How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional. This offering from Dr. Dale Archer, a board-certified psychiatrist and distinguished [...]
Symptoms of Codependency
The term codependency has been around for almost four decades. Although it originally applied to spouses of alcoholics, first called co-alcoholics, researchers revealed that the characteristics of codependents were much more prevalent in the general population than had been imagined. In fact, they found that if you were raised in a dysfunctional family or had [...]
Do You Love a Narcissist?
It’s easy to fall in love with narcissists. Their charm, talent, success, beauty, and charisma cast a spell, along with scintillating conversation, compliments toward and maybe even apparent interest in you. Once hooked, however, you have to contend with narcissists’ demands, criticisms and self-centeredness. Perhaps you were embarrassed when your mate cut in front of [...]
The Meaning of Nice: How Compassion and Civility Can Change Your Life (And the World)
Nice. On its own, the word “nice” can carry a variety of tones. It can imply “good” or “generous;” on the other hand, if it is used sarcastically, it can imply the complete opposite. How much time have you spent pondering the real meaning behind this word? Joan Duncan Oliver does just that in her [...]

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