Shame compounds. Of all of the negative emotions, shame is the worst. Anxiety subsides when we avert a threat. Sadness…
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…
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;…
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…
In Praise of Mediocrity
“… I keep pushing that rock up the hill over and over and it keeps falling back. And then I…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Leon's Existential Cafe 