According to the latest census data, more than half of people aged 18 to 24 live with their parents, and roughly 13% of adults ages 24 to 35 do as well. There is an epidemic of "failure to launch" in our country. While many of these young people are hard-working individuals, trying to save money to pay off school loans, buy a house, or start a business, some are simply children who remain dependent on their parents, unmotivated to live life on their own. These children, though they may not ...read more
Just Plain Ol’ Boyhood or Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
The old expression “Boys will be boys,” describes types of behavior that may not be appreciated by parents (or sisters). These behaviors, though typically unwelcomed, are rather benign in cause and effect. For instance, a typical boy might think it’s funny to put a frog in his sister’s bed. Two young boys might decide their older cousin’s wedding is the perfect place to show everyone their underwear. Typical boyhood behavior can generally be described as silly, energetic, curious, and ...read more
Teenage Brain: Double Whammy…”jacked-up, stimulus-seeking brain not yet fully capable of making mature decisions”
According to Neuroscientist Frances Jensen, there are several serious misconceptions we’ve had about teenagers and the teenage brain. (See my blog post New Research: 4 Misconceptions about Teenage Brains). Teens are impulsive and emotional because of surging hormones Teens are impulsive and emotional because they want to be difficult and different If teens get involved with drugs, drinking, and sex, their brains are resilient and they will rebound without suffering permanent ...read more
6 Overarching Errors Perfectionists Make!
While some view perfectionism as a valuable character trait, others view it as a very destructive habit or thinking error. Hillary Rettig thinks it’s even worse than that! "Perfectionism is a kind of toxic filter through which you view yourself, your work, and the world." Six Overarching Mistakes Perfectionists Make There are 6 overarching mistakes that perfectionists make: Perfectionists hold unrealistic definitions of success and punish themselves harshly for perceived failures. ...read more
The Gift of Desperation
As a therapist, I know that no one ever makes an appointment with me when their lives are going perfectly well (grin). Clients come to their first appointment with trepidation, having reached the point where they will take the scary step to reach out for some help. The Gift of Desperation The “gift of desperation” brings us to a place where we will take action, no longer willing to stay, one more second, in that place of stuckness, despair, fear, or whatever we’re experiencing. C.S. ...read more