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Being the Burned Girl on the Beach
I recently escaped to the tropics with my husband, Doug, for some sunshine and sand. I was excited to have a brief respite from my work...


Winning the Worst Award
Picture me at 22 years old, bright eyed with big hair and a big smile to match. I strode the campus of my college, Tufts University, with...


Darkness Descends; An Ode to Joy
It crept in like a low fog, so lightly that I didn’t notice it beginning to swirl around me. A vague unease, a weighty sigh. The sun...


The everyday grief of an "obsolete" mom
What is the reward of being a good mother to a blessedly healthy child? They leave you. How could it all be gone? Where did it go?


My Worst Fear: Public Speaking (to Nobody)
What do you do when your worst fear actually happens?


How This Grinch Forgave Her Mother (Mostly)
“Have you forgiven your mother?” Oddly, this gut-wrenching, intensely personal question follows me wherever I go. I am a psychologist and...


Disfigurement: A Call for Awareness
(republished, with permission, from the Pennsylvania Psychologist) When I was four years old, I survived a fire which burned away my...


"Burn Baby Burn"
[Author note: In recognition of this back-to-school time, here is a reprint of my blog about bullying. Many children are bravely...


A Dose of Compassion, Doctor's Orders
I have been a patient and a doctor, on both sides of the bed. I have sat with injured people, processing their trauma. I have also been...


Six Calming Strategies for Dark Times
“Now is the winter of our discontent.” Although I quote Shakespeare, I really only know this line from my ninth grade obsession with the...


Learning Differently or, "The Candyman Can"
Once upon a time, I gave birth to a perfect little girl, with big blue eyes and a wide smile. She exuded peace and serenity. A friend of...


Remembering on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, we honor our nation’s fallen. I would like to write about those who gave their lives defending our country. However, I...


What is Your Purpose?
What brings meaning to your life? I am not asking because I have the right answer. I am asking because I want you to have an answer, an...


Who Cares?
Guest Blog by Patrick Lombardi “Who cares?” my mom says. It’s her go-to response whenever someone criticizes her baked ziti or grumbles...


How to Actually Have a Happy Thanksgiving
(As currently featured in Psychology Today) Are you excited about Thanksgiving? Are you looking forward to getting together with your...


Why Me? Why Not Me?
(This is Part 3 in the series "Choosing More Surgery." See here for Part 1 and here for Part 2) “How are you doing today?” asked my...


I Hate Walter: Choosing more surgery (Part II)
(For Part I of this series, click here) “You need to make friends with it,” advised my surgeon. She smiled at me, her long straight...


Choosing More Surgery (Option 2)
“Your test results were negative.” This call was welcome news from my doctor, but also surprising. I had seen Dr. Jones (not his real...


"I Can't Imagine: What NOT to Say to Someone Who is Grieving"
Guest Blog by Caryn Anthony I am honored to publish this beautiful piece by my dear friend, Caryn Anthony, about loss and how to truly...


What Daily Meditation Can Do For You
“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of these things and...
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