Hollywood has long presented psychotherapists and analysts as villains or saintly saviors, but around the turn of the century they became central characters in a handful of popular and hilarious comedies. Consider “Analyze This” (1999) and its sequel “Analyze That” (2002), both starring Billy Crystal and Robert De Niro. Then there’s “What About Bob?” (1991), pairing Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. These are light and fun comedies, but there’s a surprising depth to these movies from a psychological perspective. They’re worth revisiting … ( More )
Art and human beings: A formidable duo
Does art imitate life or does life imitate art? A puzzling question. One as old as time. We continue to stumble on and unearth myriad cultural artifacts. We discover fantastic Native American paintings on … ( More )
When talk therapy may not be enough
Research shows that a combination of medication and “talk” therapy provides the best outcome in treatment of depression, anxiety and some other mental health issues. While this may not be the case for … ( More )
Trauma on the world stage
Israel. Gaza. Ukraine. Violent divisive protests across the globe. Rising antisemitism. A killer hurricane on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Threats of nuclear war. Of late, the world has seen an unprecedented … ( More )
Finally fall: season of wonder, beginnings
Leaves begin to flutter down. A welcome familiar chill in the air hits us from behind, when we least expect it. We smile. It feels good. We're reminded that fall has arrived ... and isn’t it about time! … ( More )
Coming home: the LGBTQ teen
Some of the biggest challenges parents face are with LGBTQ teens. Despite significant progress made in society regarding sexual preferences and alternative genders, there continue to exist stigmas and … ( More )
Communication
The Beatles, psychologists of rock
Humming along to "Eleanor Rigby," I began listening more acutely to the astounding lyrics of this Beatles song from 1966. How profoundly insightful their … ( More )
The second wave of communication
During the Civil War, soldiers flanked tightly in a line would march toward the enemy on the battlefield. Inevitably, so many would fall down -- dead or … ( More )
Healing
Taming the resentful mother
There is something startling about a mother demonstrating bitter and resentful behaviors toward her daughter. Something unnatural, confusing and … ( More )
Finding ‘me’: A guide to self-discovery
When someone asks “What do you want” from a situation or a relationship, it’s sometimes so hard to know. Why do we struggle with that question? Perhaps … ( More )
Relationships
When gratitude is in short supply
How often are small kindnesses extended without a second thought, simply an automatic gesture between human beings, just because. … Probably millions of … ( More )
Corralling the Four Horsemen
Some days, it feels like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have arrived. But wait! Just who are these unwelcome and mysterious figures? The Four … ( More )
Children
Boys and girls: A different way of thinking
Science tells us that boys and girls have marked distinctions and differences. Neither better nor worse. Neither good nor bad. Nonetheless these … ( More )
A 15-minute commitment to children
"Fully being with your child, wanting nothing, is quality time," wrote the childhood educator Magda Gerber in her book "Dear Parent: Caring for Infants … ( More )