finebergpsychotherapy

The biggest predictor of overall happiness is strong social connections. (Scientific American Mind, 2014, 25(1), p. 35)

F. Wistow: Anything that breaks you out of a stale pattern, anything that is new, has the potential to make you aware of you in a new light, p. 34. (Creatures of habit. Psychotherapy Networker, 2013, 37(6), 32-59.

If you want to be miserable, the therapist Cloe Madenes suggests that you, for example, asssume a negative identity, initiate arguments, expect the worst, focus on yourself, blame others, overthink, dwell on past problems, be critical.
(Madanes, C. The 14 habits of highly miserable people. Psychotherapy Networker, 2013, 37(6), p. 45-60.

Researchers at the University College London have found that people in their study were happier with winning a reward when their expectations for it were lower. (The WEEK, 2014, August). Positive psychology advocates agree that people with lower expectations (perhaps more realistic expectations?) are happier when things go well.

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.