Beginning in the 1950s, Albert Ellis laid the foundations for a major portion of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with his colorful descriptions of negative thought patterns, descriptions that remain useful to the present day. Yet these venerable tools also have their limitations and misuses.

Although popular culture is often banal, there is worthwhile meaning embedded in this television show, including some Zen lessons on letting go of resentment, seeking justice instead of revenge, managing anger, achieving acceptance when times seem dark, and recognizing our connection with others.

The holidays have become too loud, and all the noise is drowning out what Christmas was meant to celebrate. Perhaps quiet can put things back into perspective.

Our current societal entertainments are not so far removed from those depicted in The Hunger Games series. In order to get back on track, we ought to focus on our real lives and not on what passes for reality in the entertainment industry.

Clients come to therapy for many reasons, but one of the most common goals clients express is the desire to be free from disturbing emotions. In my experience, coping strategies can be divided into three major categories, and here’s why detached awareness wins.

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.

The first reason I wrote a book was that I wanted what everyone wants, to connect to others in some meaningful way when I could not bear to do so directly.