Why Are You Telling Me This?

I am a therapist. I am white. I am a man. I am a little beyond middle aged. I am in a relationship. I am organized. I like the color blue. I like plants. I like dogs. I like turning flea market finds into useful furniture. I have a bad back. I am Jewish. I am busy....

Is It Really About the Money?

Jordan was seeing me weekly for several years to help him manage his divorce, relationship with his children, and decisions about his career.  It became apparent after the first year of therapy that he had started to use alcohol to reduce his anxiety.  Slowly and...

When Secrecy and Privacy Collide

There are many times in therapy when I am told something by my client that few other people know.  Sometimes, I am the only person who knows other than the person who has told me.  It takes courage to open a secret, and takes careful listening to know when a secret...

Crossing the Lines

Marty consistently talked about his garden each time we met for therapy.  It was his greatest source of pride and, since he retired, where he spent most of his time.  He described it in great detail, often telling me about new plants he had bought or perennials he had...

But This Isn’t a “Real” Relationship…

Relationship Defined:  “an emotional or other connection between people” When I begin meeting with someone, I try to make a point of discussing how therapy works.  I talk about the importance of the content of our sessions, and I talk about the importance of exploring...