We can review the thinking of primitive man and be amused at the evil and malevolent forces blamed for his misfortunes, or we can review the history of recent centuries and chuckle at the errors in the assignment of blame that resulted from lack of scientific knowledge, while we smugly assure ourselves that new scientific
I recently finished reading the challenging book, “Empire of Pain, The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty”, written by Patrick Radden Keefe.* I use the word challenging both because of its 535 pages, and its subject matter. For the Sackler family referred to in the title is widely considered to
Many readers will disagree with the premise of this article. I’ve lost clients over this point, even long-term clients who generally agree with the family systems perspective. Certainly, there are literally thousands of therapists who hold an opposing opinion. But over time I’ve become more clear on this issue: Minor children can’t legally drink alcohol,
A quick google search for “text therapy” brings up an advertisement for the “best Virtual Therapy Services of 2021”. (https://www.top10.com/online-therapy). Celebrities routinely promote these services as affordable, convenient, and life changing. Many of the sites are tailored to specific groups providing couple, LGBTQ, Christian, and teen therapy. (To learn more about a systems view of therapy
Four R Version #1: Relent, Retreat, Resent, Ruminate Four R Version #2: Rage, Retreat, Resent, Ruminate The Four Rs of lousy Lorna Behavior. Peace of mind has been lost over the Four Rs. So has sleep and energy. Friends and associates have been lost over the Four Rs. I use Four R Version #1 the most: Someone
Way back in the early days of COVID-19 things were different than they are now, nine months later. All the public knew then was to socially distance, wash hands more and longer and do not, under any circumstances, touch the face. The great mask controversy was yet to polarize the nation. In the middle
When shelter-in-place began families almost celebrated the opportunity for increased time together. Adults lucky enough to work from home and able to afford it (big ifs) embraced the opportunity to slow down. Parents relished the breather from carpool, after-school activities, errands, social obligations and the keeping-up-with-the-Jones’ rat race. They instituted game nights, Zoom chats with
I’d like readers to engage in a thought experiment I’ll describe later in this essay. But first I’m going to make an obvious disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Anything sounding vaguely medical that follows is either derived from something I’ve read, or I’ve made it up. I’m thinking about Covid-19 a lot these days.
Togetherness and Individuality are Fundamental Life Forces As recently as this June I had been anticipating a relatively laid-back summer. No big plans on the horizon after a lovely summer vacation. The Yiddish expression for what actually happened is, “Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht.” (“Man plans and God laughs.”) Instead of weeks of imagined leisure
This is a very personal essay. Full of juicy details about my marriage. Things I would never want anyone to know, if I didn’t think it would be so helpful to share them. I just hope my husband agrees. (If not, I’ll deal with that too!) A few years back we sold the family home and moved into a
