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 cave walls and desert rocks. Hieroglyphics deep within the pyramids of Egypt. When the Sutton Hoo burial ship was simply "dug up" by an unsuspecting gardener in a remote part of Norfolk, England, it was laden with Anglo-Saxon jewels, artifacts, drawings and more. In modern times, street art has swept the globe. Young adults (and some not … ( 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 )
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 distinctions have significant impacts on how they walk in the … ( 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
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 … ( More )
Taming the resentful mother
There is something startling about a mother demonstrating bitter and resentful behaviors toward her daughter. Something unnatural, confusing and … ( 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
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 )
Coronavirus: What to tell the children
One thing to ponder while sharing information about catastrophes such as the Covid-19 outbreak with children: How much is too much to discuss? And how much … ( More )