With each of our three newest clinical psychologists having already been writing for the Ask the Psychologist column for some weeks now, an official announcement is long overdue. From all of us on the team, here’s a hearty welcome to Dr Shailagh Clarke, Dr Misty Hook and Dr Jennifer Ritchie-Goodline.

It seems virtuous, disciplined — wholesome, even. But is the time-honored conflict-avoiding technique of ‘picking your battles’ causing more problems than it solves? Here’s why picking your battles has a dark side.

Why do some therapists use a couch and some don’t? What’s the purpose of the couch? And how can I choose the best therapist and method of psychotherapy for me?

When clients feel they’ve been wronged, resentment, fear and anger are sure to follow. Working through these emotions, as well as the backlash against them, presents challenges for therapists and clients alike.

Do you recognize these 9 characteristics of a bitter person? Have you experienced the toll that bitterness can take on relationships? The real secret to dealing with bitterness is learning to let go.

Embarking on a new path requires ending an old walk, and new birth always involves a death of some sort. New beginnings can’t really happen until we’ve genuinely parted company with old ways.

It’s been ten years since terrorists attacked the United States. Much has happened since then, but some of the lessons we learned seem to be the wrong ones. Instead of continuing down our path filled with rage, perhaps it’s time to learn from the examples of others and actually deal with our feelings. Only then we can move forward.