Why We’re So Defensive and How to Stop

We make significant mistakes when we’re protecting ourselves. Defensiveness, self-aggrandizement, bragging, deflecting, perfectionism; whatever you want to label it, we … More

When Self-Help Turns Toxic: Why We Can’t Always Be Rational

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, there’s a process labeled cognitive restructuring, wherein beliefs are explored in a systemic manner to confirm … More

Obsessed with Status and Popularity: An Exploration of Cultural Illness

Love only matters to us if we accept it. Like Jay Gatsby, most of us find ourselves in the throes … More

For When You’re Feeling Shame

Shame compounds. Of all of the negative emotions, shame is the worst. Anxiety subsides when we avert a threat. Sadness … More

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