Psychiatry

As an entertainer, Michael Jackson was obviously second to none. His spellbinding "pop" artistry was mesmerizing to virtually everyone who watched him perform. And in the few days since his passing, the tributes made to his creative musical gifts have drawn an extraordinary amount of attention. Still, in the past two decades as much probably has been said about Michael's psychological quirkiness (if not downright pathology) as about his prodigious talent. . . . Read More

Eye candy is, by definition, good-looking people: Sweet to stare at, they tempt us with their addictive visuals. But the term has another meaning, especially when we remember that our brain's primary fuel is sugar. Eye candy is also a special kind of mutual gaze -- one that is dense with energy, sends our pleasure chemicals surging, and looks absolutely delicious. And it's good for you. Read More

When it comes to health care policy, we keep failing to take seriously the value of human relationships. The cost of this oversight is staggering. Read More

Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and other forms of literature for healing and personal growth. The contributions and vision of poet and poetry therapist Ken Gorelick enhanced our knowledge about how personal insight is embodied in line and verse and just how poems can repair both body and mind. Most of all, his life's work helped both patients and colleagues listen to the powerful healing found in the "presences inside poems." Read More

It's about time we wrap up this project, which has lasted longer than most people's experience in therapy. Today I'll summarize the Seven Questions Project, how it was developed and who joined in the discussion. Read More

It's 1976, and I'm speaking to Karen, my partner at the time, bemoaning my lack of commitment to anything. All of my close friends over the years, up to and including my wife, Shari, will attest to the fact that I am a habitual bemoaner. (Be·moan: "To express grief or disappointment about something." In Yiddish, it is translated to "kvetch," which adds the elements of whining and complaining. It could be argued that, depending on my audience, I am both a bemoaner and a kvetcher.) Read More

Social scientists used to have a straightforward, if tongue-in-cheek, answer to the question of how to become happy: Surround yourself with people who are uglier, poorer and shorter than you are—and who are unhappily married and have annoying kids. You will compare yourself with these people, and the contrast will cheer you up. Read More

Our understanding of the benefits of canine companions has changed. We now understand that a pet dog can reduce stress, improved physical health status and improve social relationships. Read More

I'm happy to debate with fellow PT blogger Stephen Diamond whether bitterness should become a mental disorder. He says yes emphatically; I say no at all costs. How to breach that divide? Well, first we must establish when "justifiable" bitterness turns into a pathology. And that's where the trouble begins and the water starts to muddy.

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