When I first wrote this post the Obamas were at the end of their stay in the White House. The recent unveiling of Amy Sherald’s portrait at the National Portrait Gallery put this evocative image of a former First Lady and mom front and center once again. Among her many roles, Michelle Obama is a …
What I learned about parenting from Michelle Obama Read More »
As a professional, single working mom, I supported my children through middle school, college and into graduate school while working as a psychotherapist and school social worker. As most parents would agree, I was doing the job that really mattered, i.e., taking care of my kids. That’s Job #1. My children’s well-being and their successful …
People ask, “I want to go into therapy, what kind of therapist should I choose?” Often the person will answer their own question with “Shouldn’t I see a psychologist/psychiatrist/counselor/therapist/psychoanalyst….” The list of helping professionals goes on. My answer is, if you are looking for a psychotherapist, find someone you are comfortable talking with. That response …
Anger is probably the single biggest reason parents bring their children, and teachers send their students, to see a therapist. Working in a school-based mental health clinic in Brooklyn a few years ago, the students referred to my colleagues and myself, as “Anger Management”. If they were coming to see us it must be because …
“Who takes the child by the hand, takes the parent by the heart.” This traditional saying was quoted by then Secretary of Education, Richard Riley in a forum I attended in 2000 on partnerships between schools and religious organizations. Secretary Riley as an elder statesman, speaking in quiet tones conveyed the importance of educating children …
