Uh Oh, here they come again…the holidays!

“We must be willing to let go of the life (holiday) we planned so as to have the life (holiday) that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell The holidays can be challenging on many levels when it comes to family gatherings, food, drink and gifts. Before you know it,...

Which brain is in control?

The brain, a product of evolution, has three distinctive and integrated parts as shown here. The Reptile brain, that which we share with the reptiles, correlates with the survival instinct. Translated into human behavior, it is revealed in the automatic, predictable,...

Interdependence in human family relationships

“I say that it touches a man that his blood is sea water and his tears are salt, that the seed of his loins is scarcely different from the same cells in a sea weed, and that of stuff like his bones coral is made. I say that the physical and biologic law lies...

Family Vacations: boom or bust for self

These days in my clinical practice, I’m hearing a lot of reports back about the challenges of family vacations. A few observations: Most people need a vacation to recover from their vacation. Many families have a ‘leader’ who organizes activities and...