A Hampton Psychotherapy Short Segment “State of Being” is a concept we regularly hear Buddhists and other enlightened beings discuss in detail. The notion that we can just “be” — without trying or efforting is a radical one to consider. Yet, the most prosperous people on the planet completely understand…

Despite my Catholic upbringing, I remain fascinated by Astrology. Although I maintain a strong aversion to Tarot Cards, Psychic Readings, Mediums, Palmistry, Wicca and especially Ouija Boards — the Social Scientist in me cannot escape the accuracy and historical relevance of Astrology. For me, Astrology has nothing to do with…

I can remember the feeling of the cold, metal doorknob. It was about the tenth time I had checked it that night. Although I knew we lived in a “safe” neighborhood, I could not transition out of the belief that someone was going to break in and harm us. …

In my private Psychotherapy practice, one of the first questions I’m often approached with is “do you specialize in CBT?” After informing them that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a cornerstone of my treatment model, I’ll ask them: “What’s your understanding of CBT and why does it interest you?” … crickets…

It was the early 1990s — and I remember laying on the shag carpet in our living room. Back then, my favorite television station was the “USA Network.” That particular station always had a variety of late 70s and early 80s horror films scheduled on their programming slate (all of…

There’s an intrinsic link between the Bartender and the Actor. That link is that both roles are usually fulfilled by the same person. At any given time in Los Angeles or New York, a restaurant patron can easily look over toward the Bar or Cocktail Lounge, only to observe a…

Hampton Psychotherapy Imagine that there’s a Homeowner who believes his roof is leaking. He becomes so preoccupied with this concern (despite a rational lack of evidence for it) that he calls a roofing Repairman. After the Repairman finishes inspecting every shingle of the roof, he tells the irrational Homeowner: “I’ve…

Hampton Psychotherapy If you’ve recently watched “The Vow” or “Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult” — you were probably just as fascinated as I was to see how the malevolent tentacles of Keith Raniere had latched themselves on to young, successful actresses. But, despite the fascination, cult phenomena impacting Hollywood —…

We’ve all met them. They come into our lives and then exit just as quickly — leaving you mystified as to the interpersonal trauma you’ve just experienced. They’re the only people in your life that you seem to end up arguing with. Whether it’s their fluctuating moods, fickle behavior, critical…