Abandonment: Depression and Other Effects
Feelings of abandonment by people we need or love, even people who hurt us sometimes too, can be one of the most difficult experiences in relationships, calling up some of our most primitive survival mechanisms to manage the pain.
But we all experience […]
Fear of Anger and other Mental States
Do you allow yourself to be open to whatever emotions, desires, and beliefs come up for you in a given moment- or do you try to control your inner reactions?
Although our mental states (thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and desires) often arise […]
Fear of Rejection and Insecurities about Going After One’s Dreams
Feeling like others don’t support your dreams can be painful and frustrating. Trying to get others to see your value and finding people to support you when you’re feeling just slightly unsure of yourself can […]
As the seasons start to change, please be mindful of any changes in your mood that may need treatment.
How to Recognize Depression:
Many people wonder how they can tell the difference between ordinary sadness- for example, after events like the loss of a loved one; […]
Anxiety Disorders and Fear of the Unknown
One of the most difficult aspects of anxiety disorders is the fear of uncertainty, because uncertainty is everywhere. There are so many unknowns, especially in the contemporary world we live in- where so many surprising events constantly bombard us, […]
When talking about change backfires
Have you ever had someone tell you about a problem, ask for advice, express a strong desire to change…only to become defensive when you try to help?
This is one of the most confusing relationship dynamics that people come in with. It’s one thing […]
What are Narcissistic Vulnerabilities?
Many of the difficult people we encounter in life can be thought of as having narcissistic vulnerabilities. This means it is very difficult for them to regulate their self-esteem and that they are vulnerable to feeling very ashamed. These people often feel the need […]
Click here to read Part I of this article
“Looks can Be Deceiving”: Mentalization Skills in Relationships, Part 2
What are the differences between the private mental experiences that happen inside of us, such as feelings, thoughts, or beliefs, and the objective, concrete behaviors or actions that happen outside of us?
One of the main differences is […]
Why not use hitting when so many parents say that it “works”?
Even though it is true that hitting may seem effective sometimes in the short run in terms of getting a child to obey, in the long run, it interferes with a child’s development of a sense of ownership and boundary over his physical body. […]
Helping Your Child Develop a Secure Attachment
It is well-known that children who are comfortably and securely attached to their parents do much better at growing up and thriving than children who are not secure. According to Psychiatrist John Bowlby and a large body of research on children, children with a secure attachment style easily go […]