The conventional wisdom declares that child sex abuse (CSA) is so horrendous, so traumatic, so psychologically devastating that survivors, overwhelmingly women, develop long-term post-traumatic stress disorder and deep fears of partner sex,... Read more »
Every week I hear the same story from parents of struggling adult children: “I’ve apologized. Nothing changes.” These parents admit (often readily) that they were too strict, too controlling, or perhaps too... Read more »
In the aftermath of COVID-19 and the shutdown of in-person classes, there has been a rising number of children being homeschooled. What is contributing to that? For one, some parents are dissatisfied... Read more »
Why are so many parents shocked or blindsided when an adult child goes no contact? Many parents describe estrangement as coming completely out of the blue. They may insist they had no... Read more »
Erin, a mom at her wits’ end, looked at me pleadingly and said, “Dr. Jeff, what am I missing here? I was being completely reasonable with Paige” (names have been changed to... Read more »
When I reflect on how parents often describe a “reactive child,” they usually describe noise. I’m talking about yelling, crying, doors slamming, throwing something. You get the picture. In short, when things... Read more »
“What the hell are you doing?” my patient Dan screamed at his 4-year-old son, who was dressed in his wife’s floral apron and twirling a whisk. “I’m cooking, Daddy,” Bobby responded as... Read more »
Most parents think they are solving anxiety by answering each question thoroughly and carefully. But each reassurance becomes a “tiny rep” in the overthinking gym. The child’s brain learns that uncertainty is... Read more »
“My mind becomes blank, I feel a surge of warmth overtaking my body, my heart races, my breathing almost stops, and my muscles become weak.” This is a description offered by a... Read more »
Providers and health organizations alike encourage children and families to pursue mental healthcare as if it were universally healing. Amidst the ongoing pediatric mental health crisis — characterized by increased rates of... Read more »