Family Secrets

Guns are usually blamed for the horrific tragedies, but guns do not shoot by themselves. Someone operates them. It is time to look at what mental illness means and what we can do to avoid any further tragedies. Read More

The fact that Cate Edwards was by her father’s side at his trial seems to be a testament to her love for him. But it can be enormously distressing—and confusing—to feel love for your unfaithful parent while also experiencing anger, shame, grief, and betrayal. Read More

Often even well-meaning parents don't understand their child's angry behavior. Temper tantrums are normal for very young children, and lashing out with angry words is typical for adolescents. But what about threats or actions that go beyond predictable behavior? Read More

Of course we cannot know what went through Arnold Schwarzenegger’s mind when he decided to have an affair with a household employee. If he is anything like most men and women who are unfaithful, it is likely that he did not think about the affect his behavior might have on his children. Read More

A new year has just begun-a time we associate with renewed energy and hope. And yet I see more unhappy people than ever. What separates the hopeless from the hopeful? Is it within our power to overcome the depressing effects of difficult external circumstances? I believe it is. Read More

The social network phenomenon gained even greater prominence in our collective psyche this month due to the new movie, The Social Network, which chronicles the origins of Facebook on the Harvard campus. Read More

Sexuality stems from our fluctuating emotions, which don't necessarily fall into neat sexual categories. So how can we rigidly define what is "normal"? And how can we fail to accept our child's true nature, even if others label homosexuality as abnormal? Read More

We see it again and again: a beautiful, brilliant, successful woman-the image of what most women aspire to-falls in love after years of carefully searching for the right man. She finally marries him, and then-bingo! Read More

When we enter into a serious relationship with someone, none of us expects to be treated badly. We are attracted to the positive qualities in a potential partner, we feel passionately towards them, we often ignore or fail to see any negative attributes, and we fall in love. Read More

The holidays can usher in an emotional tug of war-between happy childhood memories and not-so-happy adult tensions. For many, the disconnect between how the holidays felt then and how they feel now can lead to cynicism and even depression. Perhaps when you were a child, your family's festive celebrations, special meals and treats, and brightly wrapped packages made you believe in the magic of the season. Read More

When a married parent secretly chooses to become sexually involved with another partner for whatever personal reason-a sense of adventure, a physical or emotional yearning, an antidote to unhappiness with one's spouse or oneself-chances are that he or she has not considered how their children will be affected. Read More