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
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
It’s not just Xbox, PlayStation, Apple, Google or Reddit turning kids into tech addicts. Parents are doing their part, too. Many, many parents worry their children have unhealthy obsessions with their electronics. Frequent and fierce power struggles over tech time are the new normal. Tech manufacturers work hard to make their products as enticing as
The First Plan is THE Plan* I am unable to count, or even identify, how many times I’ve made this mistake. I’ll develop a plan in my mind. It might be a small plan like choosing what to order for dinner or to take a walk. Then something or someone will come along and offer a
This is Us is a beloved, popular new TV show. If the reader is one of the few who haven’t seen it already, a family of five is featured; parents Jack and Rebecca and their 3 children, Randall, Kevin, and Kate. Kate and Kevin are biological twins while the orphaned Randall, born on the same
A Conversation with a Stranger. I was browsing for a new book during a recent visit to Barnes and Noble, but I left the store with more than a good read. I was lucky enough to have a memorable encounter as well. I was searching the store computer for a specific title when an elderly man
What’s Wrong With Being a Mama Grizzly For Your Kids? Silvina, a self-proclaimed “mama grizzly,” came in for a consultation because she was so worried about her daughter. Laura, 22, had recently moved back home after she’d lost her job as a sales representative. Silvina reported that Laura was sleeping late, refusing to apply for
What are the differences between Systems Theory and Cause-and-Effect Thinking in Therapy? James* came into therapy after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. His M.D. told him he’s probably an alcoholic. Celia wants help due to conflict with her husband, Tomas. Art is in therapy because some days he’s too depressed to
“Why Should I Have a Relationship With a Family Member Who’s Been Mean to Me?” People who come to me for therapy know that I advocate developing and maintaining contact with as many members of the nuclear and extended family as possible. Some clients are initially skeptical of this idea: You may have had conflict
