finebergpsychotherapy

George Bernard Shaw: Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.

Yet another study has shown that physical exercise helps ensure brain health. (Mind, Mood & Memory, 2014,10 (9).

Teenagers whose parents use harsh verbal punishment are more prone to anxiety and depression. (Monitor on Psychology, 2013, 44(10), 16-19.

Eugene O’Neill’s (1952/2006) play A moon for the misbegotten depicts the potential devastating effects of alcoholism on a loving relationship between a man and woman as accurately and poignantly as possible. An artist can always say it better than a psychologist.

Gloria Steinem: Far too many people are looking for the right person instead of trying to be the right person.

A recent article covered 150 years of enthusiasms and then disenchantments with medications supposed to make the American people feel better psychologically. The history began with the late 19th Century’s wide-spread use of opium and its derivatives, moved to barbiturates and amphetamines beginning in the 1930’s, concentrated on tranquilizers in the mid 20th century, and ended with the antidepressants becoming the rage in the 1980’s.

Each class of drugs has initially been touted as safe and amazingly effective, but as its use has become more and more pervasive so has the recognition of its limitations. Each of these types of medications has had its successes but has also been overly marketed and irresponsibly oversold by pharma and those who prescribe it.

What will be the next psychotropic quick fix? Or can we become more discerning?

Wylie, M. S. (July/August, 2014). Feeling in love again. Psychotherapy Networker, 38(4), pp. 18-27 & 48-50.

There are two types of pride. Hubristic pride employs dominance. Authentic pride motivates prosocial achievement. Both are effective in attaining power and status. (Tracy, J. L. Pride & Pride.Scientific American Mind, 24(5), pp. 64-67.)