I grew up in a home with an angry father and a fearful mother. To survive and thrive I had to figure out why they felt what they felt, did what they did, and how I could get the protection and love I needed. At age five I became an amateur psychologist and with a...Continue reading
For fifty years now I have been counseling men and the families who love them. It seems clear to me that men are becoming increasingly angry and depressed. I describe the reasons the underlying causes and solutions in my books The Irritable Male Syndrome: Understanding and Managing the 4 Key Causes of Depression and Aggression and in...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: My wife and I are getting divorced. There are a lot of complex financial issues to work through, and we’re meeting regularly with a court-appointed mediator. So far, the process has taken more than a year, and although it’s been painful, things were proceeding along in a fairly friendly way. Or at...Continue reading
A wise person observed that “women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So, each is inevitably disappointed.” I’ve been helping men and women have successful relationships for more than fifty years now. As a man, as well as a therapist specializing in working with men, I know that...Continue reading
While Men’s Health Month came to end this past week, it’s still important to talk about men’s health issues year-round. As a woman, men’s health might not be at the forefront of our minds but it is increasingly essential that women start talking about depression and suicide in men. Already nationally, there has been increased...Continue reading
I’ve been a marriage and family counselor and therapist for more than 40 years and one of the most common concerns I hear from women is this: “Where are all the good men? I’m a quality woman who has a lot of offer a partner, but I can’t seem to find my soul mate.” I...Continue reading
When do we hit our peak? Well that depends on how you define peak. Peak muscular strength in men occurs around age 26. In terms of smarts, Nobel Prize winners make their big discoveries at an average age of 40 years. And, as you might already know, men peak emotionally even later, at 50 years. But do...Continue reading
In last week’s column, we talked about what to do when, despite your best efforts, your relationship with your partner is about to end. Strategies we discussed included getting legal advice, considering alternatives to litigation, and understanding that there’s no such thing as “winning” custody. This week I want to share a few more strategies...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: You often write about how couples can improve their communication and how that communication can protect their relationship. But what about after the relationship ends, which is what’s happening with my girlfriend and me? A: It may sound strange, but communication during and after a divorce or breakup is still critical. First, maintaining...Continue reading
Chronic and excessive anger causes the following problems: Increases a man’s risk for high blood pressure and heart-disease. Stresses relationships and causes women to withdraw. Is related to male-type depression. Creates separation between men, women, and children. Is linked to both high levels of testosterone and low levels. Is being played out on a national...Continue reading