Suicide - the Loss of Wonderful Accessories & Digesting the Unknown of Mental Health

This morning was shocking.  Maybe for many it was just an ordinary day.  But for the majority of people I suspect there was this aftershock that was not of the natured earthquake that we Californians become accustomed.  This aftershock was Anthony Bourdain, the embrace all cultures, all hole-in-the-walls, and all foods celebrity chef and noteable star of CNN’s Part’s Unknown.  Suicide at 61 today, June 8, 2018. To receive the news of his death ...

THE JANUARY BLUES is HERE

Spring Out of It or Embrace It?

Most of us have some feelings about the holidays. For many in the harder winter regions of the country this is a difficult time if faced with depression and the

And When Thanksgiving is Said and Done:

And Then Comes BLACK Friday.

This is a challenging time of the year for mental health. Discussions of suicides increasing during the holidays along with loss and depression only add to our community's mental illness at the end of the year. 

Can just one week of NEWS and a World Series Cause You to be Down?

Okay, as a psychologist providing therapy in Los Angeles the majority of my work is on the client analysis of Self, couples counseling, and relationships (in marriage, family, or social relationships).  However, lately, I have just recognized a theme in my blogs.  “Down, Blues, Depression, Grief, Masked Depression, In-a-funk.”  So for me, I have to ask why am I spending a lot of time on this subject when there are so many other interests in mental health and couples counseling?

The answer is this:  

Is Your Therapist Working for You?

The Analyst/Analysand or Therapist/Client Relationship is not Always so Easy.

The connection is everything when working with a therapist. The therapist should not be your best friend but the relationship is the most important part of the process.   I liked this article When Therapy for Depression Isn’t Helping You.  In fact, you can use its message for therapy in general, not just depression. If you have time to read the article I would take note on the following:

One topic discusses not liking your therapist.  Not a good experience if your therapy is difficulty.  However, if you have a good therapist and if you can discuss this discomfort the unease could be important to treatment.  If you have had