Blog
Personal writing from someone who has spent 42 years listening. Some pieces are funny. Some are not. All of them are true.
I Am Green, But Not This Kind of Green
I'm firmly against recycling — emotional recycling, that is. When we keep re-using what hasn't worked, we pass fear, anger, and silence to the next generation.
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Just Showing Up Is Enough
When suffering shows up, presence beats advice almost every time. You don't need a psychology degree — you need courage.
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This Was Written In 2012, And Things Are Somehow Not Improving
Every kid pulled out a screen. Heads down. Thumbs moving. They looked content — but they weren't talking. The less they interact now, the harder it will be later.
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If You've Got the Issues, I've Got the Tissues
Tissues are sacred. A meditation on what those boxes of paper goods in a therapist's office actually hold.
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The Stages of Being In a Car
A life-cycle essay tracing parenthood through car seats, learner's permits, and finally — a limo and a hearse.
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Books I Am Not Writing
Every day over 800 Americans publish a book. I am bucking that trend. Here are some books I am NOT working on today.
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He Learned a Lesson
My ten-year-old son was certain you could buy a teleportation gun on Amazon. We made a bet. Double or nothing.
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The Living Museum
My daughter's third grade class had a Living Museum — Einstein, Lincoln, two dueling Harriet Tubmans. And one very unexpected standout.
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Score One for Good Fathering and Spontaneity
My nineteen-year-old was broke, the Alt-J concert was that night, and she texted me three messages in a row. This is the best kind of parenting.
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Procrastination
A page about procrastination. Coming soon.
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Autobiography in Five Short, Short Chapters
A client told me she met "Him" again. I said: Sounds like you are in Chapter 3. Here's the poem that explains what I meant.
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The Ongoing Struggle
Inside of me there are two dogs. The two dogs fight all the time. Which one wins?
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Surrender
Sometimes just by letting go, we actually reach the destination.
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Happy Mother's Day
To all you Moms out there: one day does not provide enough pampering for all you do. And to my family — thanks for raising me and helping me not die during my childhood.
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My Nine Year Old Boy Celebrates His Grandma's Birthday
My son makes great cards. He puts a lot of thought and love into his masterpieces. Here is what he wrote this morning.
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Why Are Women Medicated at Nearly Twice the Rate of Men?
It is no secret I believe that too many people are on too many medicines. A female psychiatrist expresses her own sorrow and fear about the gender gap in psychiatric prescribing.
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Why We Have Lousy Relationships
Why do we end up with our partners? Who we end up with says a lot about who we are.
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New Pixar Movie Excites This Psychologist
Pete Docter noticed his daughter went from a rambunctious girl to a quiet preteen. He wanted to know why. So he made Inside Out. I can tell you why it matters.
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This Girl Just Runs and Runs
I spent many hours at track meets. Running long distances is about perseverance. This story made me cry — as a Dad, as a former athlete, and as a fan of what humans can do.
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Big News for the Modern Age
Dr. Gore has entered the social media world. His video about NOT taking three-year-olds to Disneyworld hit 480K views. Follow along at @The.Cynical.Psychologist.
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