Six Reasons Why People Self-Injure
posted by Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. on Aug 28th 2008
"Some people who self-injure do so because they seek to punish themselves. Often when this occurs (100% of the time in my personal experience interacting with people who self-injure), people who harm themselves with intent to self-punish are also people who have survived substantial abuse. One of the lasting long-term effects of abuse is, for some people, that the voice or perspective of the abuser gets implanted into the minds of the victims in such a way that the victim starts to judge him or herself in the same way that the original abuser did and then starts to be motivated to punish him or herself." More...

We've all heard of dental floss, but mental floss to prevent stress, anxiety, and depression?
Posted by Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. on Aug 25th 2008
"When thinking of nutrition, most people think of nutrition in terms of food. Just as important is to think of the nutrition of our minds. In my experience with my own clients paying attention to the nutrition of our minds shows significant stress reduction and an increase in well-being. In this diet I include all our 5 senses. So, what kind of nutrition are you feeding your mind on a daily basis and how is it affecting you? " More...

The Amazing Story of a Boy Who Would Never Focus on Anything
Posted by Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D. on Aug 25th 2008
"Certainly, all children with ADHD won't become Olympics athletes. However, Michael Phelps should provide inspiration to both parents and children who are coping with this disorder. Finding and channeling a passion, goal setting, determination, practice, and perseverance are all keys to success in life, especially if you are dealing with a mental illness. It is truly an amazing story on many different levels. " More...

Is Chronic Pain and Depression destroying your life?
Posted by Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. on Aug 21st 2008
"Chronic pain is inherently, chronically stressful. It interferes with our day to day functioning and our relationships. What results? Those with chronic pain may not receive the social support they need, not experiencing empathy or love. This can wear anyone down to the point where the risk for depression gets higher and higher. If we can’t get rid of it, what can we do? We need to change our relationship to pain in order to gain relief! " More...

An Interview with Fern Cohen, Ph.D. on whether Psychoanalysis is Dead
Posted by David Van Nuys, Ph.D. on Aug 18th 2008
"In this episode of the Wise Counsel Podcast, Dr. Van Nuys speaks with Psychologist and Psychoanalyst Fern Cohen, Ph.D. on the provocative theme, "Is Psychoanalysis Dead?". In this context, Psychoanalysis refers to the version of psychoanalysis developed by Dr. Freud (e.g., the one with the couch) and not to modern psychodynamic versions related to that original therapy. Not surprisingly, Dr. Cohen doesn't think that psychoanalysis is dead at all. While acknowledging that this form of therapy is on the decline in terms of practitioners, she points out various ways that it continues to be vital and important." More...