Taking a look at what’s needed to flourish — Recently I was talking to a therapy client about his eventual move from New York City to Portugal. As someone who officially moved four months ago from NYC to Montreal Quebec, I can attest how arduous yet also how gratifying it is to segue into environmental conditions that boost one’s…

Discerning the difference — Being a psychotherapist and also an interfaith minister implies that I don’t necessarily view the earthly realm and the spiritual realm as disparate. Rather, I’ve come to recognize psychological growth and spiritual development as facets of our being that constitute the whole of who we are. …

How predators snare their prey — Episodic ruptures were peppered throughout their tumultuous relationship, but when seemingly benign texting commenced during the pandemic, Megan began to question if she was correct in concluding that her ex was a full-blown malignant narcissist. …

It requires real effort on both sides — Born into a family steeped in mental illness and generational trauma had a huge impact on my peer relationships. Given these conditions, I was barely equipped to make it through the day much less manage the machinations of nuanced interaction. Indeed, the traumas I incurred from systemic familial abuse and…

Understandably, Narc Abuse and Questioning the Political Landscape ignited the most interest — For most of us on this planet 2022 has been a challenging year. Aggressive posturing and polarization has touched all of us in myriad way. …

Thoughts and revelations about leaving NYC — Months back, when I was on the cusp of the final stage of moving to Montreal from NYC, I wrote about my motivations and the arduous steps involved in the process. Exorbitant expenses, constant flights, endless packing, immigration requirements, and copious paperwork consumed my existence. …

Accept that the ‘System’ is Rigged — “If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don’t have to worry about answers.” Thomas Pynchon , Gravity’s Rainbow First, a disclaimer. It’s best not to hate if at all possible, but if disdain is to be directed anywhere, we might as well consider where it is most…

Accessing the nurturing adult protector at the helm — All individuals beset by unabated victimization throughout childhood are tasked with protecting the central organizing ego from breaking from reality and disintegrating into psychosis. Needless to say, this is a formidable feat, particularly since a child’s capacity to integrate what is happening to the self is insufficient. It follows that…

Discovering the merits in trauma recovery — It was decades ago, but I can clearly recall ranting in a 12-step meeting about the banality of having gratitude for the lessons received through suffering. It seemed so many folks in recovery put a positive spin on what for me was completely unbearable. I absolutely hated the pain I…