Helping the vulnerable not just survive, but thrive I did it by following these six essential rules. Each type of family constellation creates a unique culture with expectations and unspoken rules. Narcissistic parents, for example, often set up a competitive environment and pitch siblings against one another. To these parents, maintaining the family’s good image … Read more
Helping the vulnerable not just survive, but thrive It has unleashed my creativity Whenever I hear about the power of positive thinking, I fight the urge to roll my eyes. It reminds me of the character Stuart Smalley, from the SNL skit Daily Affirmation sitting in front of his mirror, saying to himself, “I am … Read more
Helping the vulnerable not just survive, but thrive He learned too late that all we have is this present moment. Brad walked into the bedroom dressed in his khaki shorts and a polo shirt, his white golf gloves still pulled high on both hands. With a big grin plastered on his face, he said, “You know, … Read more
A common undiagnosed or misdiagnosed condition for many women Almost two weeks ago, someone challenged a fundamental assumption I’d held about myself. This revelation has upended my world. Suddenly I feel wobbly, tentative, and not quite sure who I am. I’m undergoing a massive shift in self-understanding. As a licensed psychologist with over twenty years … Read more
We avoid all forms of attention, even at the expense of our health Do you know what the opposite of a narcissist is? It’s not the empaths as some think. It’s the echoist. I know because I am one. I walked into my surgeon’s office today. Four days ago, I underwent a lower facelift to deal … Read more
And what does it say about our culture that the attack occurred right along gender lines? (Trigger alert: explicit description of sexual exploitation) A notification alert popped up on my phone. Opening the notice, I saw that someone had left a comment on one of my recent articles. He shared that he related to the topic. … Read more
And up to now it’s been source of tremendous shame I have a secret. Something that has been a source of shame that I’ve mostly kept to myself. Only a handful of people know. I’m a bald woman. In my mid-thirties, I suddenly lost nearly all of my hair. Devastated and ashamed, I thought my … Read more
And probably you’ve done to someone you love too. “I’m sorry you feel that way,” my ex muttered, as if conceding. He quickly glanced sideways at me before looking back at the road. With one hand on the steering wheel, he slid his other into mine. I let my hand rest in his, limp and lifeless. … Read more
A closer look at the importance of introspection for lasting change This past week I’ve been flooded with memories. I’m sure it has to do with the date on the calendar. Later this month is my third wedding anniversary. And I think to myself never again. The flashbacks aren’t fond recollections, but snapshots of painful, disturbing, … Read more
Black Lives Matter must live on, and it starts with me waking up. I watched the brief replays of George Floyd’s death with horror and my privileged position life filled me with shame. Everything within me screamed, “Get off his neck, you’re killing him! Please, oh please, get off of his neck!” I can’t imagine the … Read more
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