One of the greatest gifts I receive in my work as an addictions therapist is to witness individuals and families surmount incredibly difficult challenges and embrace a life of recovery. Often the breakthrough occurs at the bitter end, when I’m scratching my head in disbelief...
The other night I came across a clip from “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart, where he mocked of the phenomenon known as Sudden Wealth Syndrome. In the video, a “reporter” conducted an interview of the two clinicians whose research in treating people of wealth...
How trauma leads to destructive financial choices: By Erica Sandberg Child abuse. Warfare. Assault. A devastating accident. If you have endured one or more life-threatening events, you may be more likely to make destructive money decisions. Researchers discovered that post-traumatic stress alters the way a person thinks and...
Over the last twenty years there has been an explosion in the number of treatment centers that provide "luxury treatment". But effective treatment results from the type of care delivered and the clinical expertise of the clinical team, rather than the amenities provided by the facility....
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with couples to resolve breaches of trust, breakdowns in communication, emotional and physical betrayals. Infidelity is without a doubt the most corrosive force that can destroy a relationship- or make it stronger. In this article for...
What is a toxic relationship? A toxic relationship is any relationship we have with another person that makes us feel drained, anxious or less then. Instead of building us up and making us feel good about ourselves, these relationships break us down in subtle and not...
As the facts of the Sandy Hook tragedy come to the fore, we are learning more and more details of the Lanza family's life. A New York Times article suggests that the son may have suffered from Asperger's Syndrome which is a psychological condition that...
In today's Style section of the New York Times, Elissa Gootman penned a great article on how to negotiate relationships with step children in a divorce. I'm honored that she closed the article on a positive, up beat note that contained my discussion of how...
Dr. Hokemeyer discusses the concept of an addictive personality in relation to internet addiction A real high for some high-tech users [Reading Eagle, Pa.] By Dan Kelly, Reading Eagle, Pa. McClatchy-Tribune Information Services July 12--If you drink alcohol or take drugs, it stands to reason that they will...