Shame compounds. Of all of the negative emotions, shame is the worst. Anxiety subsides when we avert a threat. Sadness … More
Author: Leon Garber, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist, based in Brooklyn and New York, NY, with specialties in Existential Psychotherapy, Trauma Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Being Great Isn’t That Great: The Inevitable Distorted Thinking Involved in Success and High Achievement
Why are we chronically unsatisfied? Someone close to me once told me that she wanted to have everything she wanted … More
A CBT Approach to Understanding and Dealing with Anger
Anger is a threat; anger results from threats; anger is righteous; anger is destructive; anger is defensive; anger is hopeful; … More
Do I Really Have to Love Myself Before I Can Love Others?: Against the Existential Ideal
Balancing what you can accomplish today with what you’ve done in the distant past is a challenging feat. All the … More
In Praise of Mediocrity
“… I keep pushing that rock up the hill over and over and it keeps falling back. And then I … More
Living with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is often confused with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is more about rituals, mental or … More
The Downside of Pride: How We Use Ambition to Mask Vulnerability and Weakness
Ambition and vulnerability struggle to co-exist. The more successful and neurotic you are, the less likely you’re willing to exhibit … More
The Nuance of Hitch: Reviewing Ben Burgis’ Christopher Hitchens
Ben Burgis wrote the ultimate anti-anti-communist book. I hardly ever review books, but Christopher Hitchens: What He Got Right, How … More
Battling the Demon of Idealism: Why You Don’t Have to Be Obsessed with Becoming Great
I’m not an idealist. I don’t consider myself to be an amazing therapist, writer, or human. To possess any of … More
Why Success Often Leaves You Feeling Empty
They tell you to stay hungry, but what if there really isn’t any other choice? I don’t know whether you … More
Leon's Existential Cafe 