Case Study
Breaking the Silence
Facilitated Communication with Nonverbal AutismA controversial method makes talk therapy possible for people who don’t talk. Read more
The Therapist as Traffic Cop
Learning the Hard Way with a Volatile CoupleBeing a good traffic cop can mean the difference between success or failure as a couples therapist.* Commentary by Peter Fraenkel Read more
Bowing Out
The Dilemma of UncouplingIf a loving couple shares a relationship history with no major deal-breaker issues, is “uncoupling” the best path? Read more
The Problem with the Borderline Diagnosis
Getting Beyond the LabelHave we unfairly pathologized clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder? Read more
The Biotech Dragon
A Kid-Friendly Approach to Self-RegulationEngaging kids in talk therapy is often a frustrating struggle. So what happens when you introduce a video game and some cool bioresponsive tech? Read more
In the Aftermath of Suicide
The Long Journey to HealingIn the wake of a loved one’s suicide, therapists must have the patience to sit with clients as the slow and painful process of healing unfolds. CASE... Read more
Storm Damage
Angry Words Can Sink a RelationshipEven though partners may forgive each other after a heated argument, the hurtful words that were hurled can be haunting nonetheless. Read more
Weiwei and the Spider
Translating Problems into Skills to LearnAn approach that emphasizes acquiring skills rather than focusing on problems helps a young boy in China tackle his problems at school. Read more
“Nobody Knows!”
Helping Introverts Appreciate Their StrengthsA young introvert in college learns to embrace her temperament as a gift, rather than a problem. Read more
Chronic Pain Reconsidered
A New Role for TherapistsOnly one percent of patients suffering from acute back pain have a significant structural abnormality in their back, and a remarkably low percentage of back... Read more
A Playful Path to Attachment
A Mother and Adopted Daughter Learn to BondThrough games that encourage small moments of laughter, a struggling mother and her adopted daughter learn a different way to bond. Read more
The Challenge of Helping the People Pleaser
Setting Boundaries Can Be RiskyHelping clients set boundaries can be a risky business, especially when people pleasing has been a lifelong strategy. * Commentary by Courtney Armstrong Read more
Taken Over
Breaking the Spell of ObsessionA therapist struggles to help an obsessive client with whom she develops an unusual preoccupation. Read more
Second Adolescence
An Alternative to the Midlife CrisisInstead of viewing midlife as a time of emotional unraveling, therapists can see it as an opportunity to help clients gain a fuller sense of purpose in... Read more
From Weight to Well-Being
The Challenges of Treating Binge Eating DisorderAlthough binge eating disorder is more prevalent than anorexia and bulimia, many people still don’t get the help they need for it. Read more
Doing Vulnerability
The Art of Helping Men Open UpHelping emotionally closed-off men embrace vulnerability without getting lost in shame requires not only empathy but good timing. Read more
From Tough Love to Empathic Love
Teaching Parents to Earn Their Children’s RespectHelping families move past stalemates often means teaching parents to earn their children’s respect. Read more
Is All Fair in Love and Sex?
How Couples Can Embrace their Sexual DifferencesEven if we believe that tender intimacy is the gold standard of erotic communication, can’t attachment be expressed in other ways? Read more
The Unexplored Issues
Working with Cross-Cultural CouplesCross-cultural couples face challenges that often aren’t addressed in therapy. Read more
Navigating the Bipolar Spectrum
Diagnosing Mood Disorders Requires Great CareDiagnosing and treating mood disorders can be tricky, especially when it comes to an often overlooked, subtle form of bipolar II. Read more
Bullying Reconsidered
Helping Children Help Each OtherWhile research indicates that most anti-bullying projects don’t work, a disarmingly simple approach has shown promising results. Read more
High-Stakes Therapy
Eating Disorders Can Be a Matter of Life or DeathWhen it comes to eating disorders, therapy can be a matter of life and death. Read more
Upgrading the Software
A One-Session Cure for An Obnoxious HabitSometimes there’s no need for a detailed assessment of a client’s entire life history and their family relationships, especially when the desired outcome... Read more
Managing Hecklers in the Therapy Room
An Ex-Comedian Puts Her Old Skills to UseWhat do the rules of comedy have to do with the practice of psychotherapy? More than you think. Read more
Supporting the Overwhelmed Child
Sometimes It Just Takes TimeA school counselor’s patient work with a sad, uncommunicative young boy demonstrates what a difference just being there can make. * Commentary by Janet... Read more
The Remarriage Triangle
Working with Later-Life Recouplers and their Grown ChildrenTherapists need to be prepared to go against the conventional clinical wisdom in helping later-life recouplers and stepfamilies handle the unique challenges... Read more
A Cure for the Yips
Brainspotting and Performance BlocksTraumatic experiences are often the root of athletic and other kinds of performance blocks. Read more
It’s Not about the Diet
Building a healthy relationship with foodToo often both clinicians and clients fall into the trap of pursuing weight loss as a therapeutic goal. Read more
The Challenge of Open Relationships
Can They Ever Work?While many therapists are skeptical of open relationships, some believe that, with the right couple, they can work. Read more
Rediscovering Happiness
The Use of Positive Childhood Triggers in PsychotherapyTo create deep change, we need to help people mine the sources of intense pleasure in their lives, wherever they may find them. Read more