What About Now?

During my first meeting with clients, I try to allow time to talk about what is bringing them to therapy while still saving time at the end of the meeting to talk about how I think therapy works. Sometimes, I don’t have to reserve time for this, because my clients...

Unhappy Anniversary?

While meeting with one of my clients this week, we came upon the realization that her husband had died three years ago almost to the day.  This wasn’t how we began our conversation.  When we settled into our respective chairs, she started the session by sharing a...

For Better or For Worse

I was having dinner with friends recently and remember looking around the table.  I was there with my partner of 23 years.  A lesbian couple was there with their adopted 9 year old son. There was also an old friend from high school and his wife, whose children were...

You’ve Got Mail

Over the weekend I was cleaning my basement and found one of my appointment books from 10 years ago.  I have a history of saving these as a way to chronicle the year and to keep track of phone calls and messages I need to return.  Back then, when I received a voice...

I See You

Last week I finished teaching a trauma course for students pursuing their graduate degree in social work. More than any other time in the 30 years I’ve been teaching has it been more difficult to balance what has been happening in the world with what I am teaching in...