Category Archive

Christine writes her own shows but her creativity somehow dried up years ago. She’s seeking tools that psychology today can offer and is consulting with me to overcome her inhibition. In Part 1, with Christine we did the preparation work for the EMDR treatment. In my role as an EMDR therapist, I guide Christine so she can begin the therapy …

Five months ago Virginia got started on changing her life. She was tired of eating so much she couldn’t move, being in a relationship which was going nowhere, having lots of ideas but taking no action. Virginia wants to have children and time is running out.

Like many who come to see me in my psychology practice she was highly motivated and determined to make a change. Her therapy began by her telling me her relationship and family history. Whatever we spoke about, Virginia pursued with curiosity and courage outside my office between sessions.

In my role as her therapist I recommended she ask herself just one question, every time she was about to eat.

“Am I hungry?”

“Simple gifts” is an old Shaker tune that became known around the world when Aaron Copland used it in 1944 in the score for a ballet called “Appalachian Spring.” It pops into my mind and I find the notes forming and resonating within my voice box when something delightfully simple occurs and strikes me as worth singing about. Breathing-relaxation is …

Nina came rushing into my psychology office and barely seated, exclaimed: “I’ve never seen a psychologist before. How do you work? Can you help me figure this out?”

Most evenings and weekends her French husband was in front of the TV with a beer in his hand. It went without saying that Nina had to handle all household tasks, take care of her 8-year-old son, do her housekeeping job for another family and be a tender loving wife at night. She had long been able to meet her husband’s expectations but recently her mood had been slipping. Her employer was alarmed and recommended she see a therapist. Nina’s husband’s drinking had worsened and he’d tried to hit her and insulted her regularly with little cause. She was getting depressed from

Alone or with the help of your psychologist, you will learn how to cut the target down to size. Rather than giving the task you have postponed inordinate importance, you are going to lower the stakes.

I few weeks ago I shared with you Part 1 of my series on The Psychology of Procrastination. Here is Part 2 of this series that will be in three parts. Understanding why you procrastinate may help you overcome procrastination. Have you ever wondered why you procrastinate?

“If only I could organize these papers!”

Many patients of mine who are in therapy complain about their inability to organize piles of papers, books or clothing. Others know they need medical attention but don’t call for a doctor or even a psychiatrist’s appointment. Others list their major life decisions they never get around to making. Here is where the therapist can help.

Procrastination, putting off to later what seems impossible to do now, is an often used reflex mechanism in psychology to reduce uncomfortable feelings.