Porcupine’s Dilemma

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While listening to patients talk about how their desire to get close to someone is often constrained by their perceived need to “self-protect,” I couldn’t help but think of the Porcupine’s Dilemma, a parable made famous by German Philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer. This parable describes a cold winter day where a group of porcupines huddle together …

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Why Couples Therapy Needs To Talk About Sex

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If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard of a couple in couples therapy with a therapist who never asked about sex, let’s just say I’d have many, many dollars. Yes, therapy should begin where the client is, and if a couple goes to therapy for a specific issue supposedly unrelated to sex, …

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Gratitude For The Holidays

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In the mental health profession, we sometimes refer to this time of year as the “busy season.” The holidays are often a time of stress and contact with family members that we usually only see during the “holidays.” Many patients who I have not seen in months call and ask if I have a few …

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SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. Most of my patients complain that their symptoms begin in the fall, continuing through the winter and end in the Spring.  However,  some patients feel SAD in the spring or early summer. Symptoms of SAD include: Irritability Low energy Low …

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