The GoodTherapy Blog

In our first session, Isabel, an agitated newcomer to therapy, declared: “I can’t stand it when Molly is upset about anything. For 16 years, it’s been my job to keep her happy and ... Read More

When I think about the people I work with in therapy who struggle with issues of separation and individuation, I notice that many who are confused or conflicted about who they are and what ... Read More

Some of us grow up in families where we are not emotionally free to express our desires and needs and feel compelled to be compliant in social relationships (especially with significant ... Read More

Some people have difficulty comfortably accepting qualities and capacities about themselves that are notable. They feel anxiety and shame if they even consider they might be special in ... Read More

People pleasing is a way to reduce anxiety and eliminate stress. Some please to assure good feelings that come with positive responses like being approved of, admired, praised, or respected. ... Read More

Maddy: “I hate myself. I’m just like my mother. She always bossed my father around and was so controlling with me and my brother. Now I do the same things with my husband and kids. ... Read More

“I feel like such a bad person.” I have heard this sad statement from so many people who come to treatment struggling with terrible feelings about themselves. Typically, these “bad ... Read More

Some people live their lives in extreme fear, approaching life with a constant sense of terror. The simplest activities of living can become fraught with dangerous possibilities. Feelings ... Read More

I work with a number of anguished parents who are surprised, hurt, and bewildered by changes in the way their adult children behave toward them. They describe relationships filled with ... Read More

When I work with people who have difficulty expressing what they want and need, especially to their significant others, it is apparent feelings about hurting the other can create a fierce ... Read More

When Mommy’s little girl grows up and goes off into the world to have her own life, struggles with issues of separation and difference may occur. Eye rolls, hugs, tugs-of-war, and ... Read More

While new parents frequently seek the “right way” to parent, there is no one rule book. Rather, there are many, often contradictory, guides to parenting. The lack of certainty about ... Read More