Blog
The secret to keeping the romance alive: It’s not all about roses and chocolates
In my last post, I reported on a study by researchers at Stony Brook University that suggested that romance can survive in long-term relationships. That’s
Get help coping with your loved one who has persistent mental illness
Do you have a loved one with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or another type of persistent mental illness? Having a loved one with a persistent mental
Recognizing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month
Unfortunately, mental struggles are often given scant attention in the media. Many people are surprised to learn that others struggle with the same difficulties. Although
Pain and values: two sides of the same coin
“Where there is love there is pain” –Spanish Proverb I’ve known and lived with many amazing dogs and cats in my life. Each animal I’ve
Can Romantic Love Stand the Test of Time?
Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined
The myth of security– Embracing vulnerability, uncertainty, and ambiguity in our relationships and in our world
“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is
Exposure Therapy on TV – “My Extreme Animal Phobia”
Not long ago my girlfriend stumbled across a YouTube video from Animal Planet’s show “My Extreme Animal Phobia.” It features a segment from the show
Is K Okay? Using Ketamine to Treat Depression
There have been some articles on the National Public Radio (NPR) website about the use of the drug ketamine as a fast acting treatment for
Can Light in the Ears Cure the Winter Blues or Do You Need a Hole in Your Head?
Here in Portland, seasonal depression, commonly called the Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is relatively common. Up to 20% of the population in the
Less is More: Improving your relationship with the “less stuff, more experiences” strategy
“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Hans Hofmann Oversaturated. That’s how it can feel once the
Home for the holidays—Tips for surviving the holidays with relationships intact.
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It
Why you shouldn’t buy a light therapy device from Costco (how to find a good light therapy device)
Here in Portland, up to 20-30% of the population suffers from decreased mood and fatigue during the dark and cloudy days of winter. This has
Gratitude — It’s not just for Thanksgiving anymore
“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” –John
Should I Be Taking “Alternative” Supplements for Anxiety?
More and more, I have clients coming into see me who are taking over-the-counter “natural” or “alternative” products. Sometimes these are recommended by a specialist,
Recovery from Schizophrenia? Yes, it’s Possible!
If you live in a major city you have probably encountered a person who is dressed strangely, mumbling to himself, not making eye contact, and
Spoiler Alert: Spoilers Don’t Spoil
Have you ever had the experience of learning the ending of a book, movie, or TV show that you had really wanted to read/watch and
The Power of Storytelling: Charlene Strong’s Story of Transformation
I love stories. A great storyteller can transport you to places you have never been, can touch a place within you that seemed lost, or
Aimee Mullins on the Beauty of Adversity (and Human Cheetah Legs)
“If we want to discover the full potential in our humanity, we need to celebrate those heartbreaking strengths and those glorious disabilities that we all