A few months ago, we were both intrigued by an article in The New York Times Magazine entitled “I’m a Couples Therapist. Something New Is Happening in Relationships” by Orna Guralnik. Dr. Guralnik is a psychoanalytically trained psychologist who is featured
On May 19, one of us (Ann) was walking on a busy street corner in New York City, when she was randomly assaulted by someone who walked up behind her, punched her to the ground, and ran off. She became
Hugh: It’s a crisis moment for so many struggling with serious depression, anxiety and feelings of loneliness. Our mental health system—particularly community clinics and peer-support organizations—has been overwhelmed by calls for help.Ann: Yeah. The pandemic has only intensified feelings of loneliness, lack
Hugh: Ann, I’ve been leading a series of workshops having to do with issues of mental health and mental illness at UX, a community organization that offers free classes and workshops. We’ve titled this series “Creating Our Mental Health,” and
Hugh: I’ve been thinking recently about how some of my clients see me as an authority figure. I think that’s problematic. Even more problematic is that I sometimes relate to myself in that way. As a psychiatrist, I was trained
Hugh: I’m thinking a lot lately about psychiatric medications – specifically, I’m thinking about HOW to think about them. It’s not just a theoretical question…one of my new clients says he’s “desperate” for me to prescribe something to “even out”
Hugh: One of my clients, I’ll call her Carla, came into group the other night and told us that she was very upset over a situation at work, which had left her feeling angry with herself for being – as
Hugh: A few weeks ago you told me that working with clients who’ve been diagnosed as psychotic is changing how you practice. What does that look like? Ann: I’m kind of amazed about it myself, really. I’ve been seeing one
Ann: Some of my friends are into special diets to eliminate artificial ingredients, or preservatives, or whatever. They’re trying to cut down on all the crap, and that means reading the labels. Hugh: I got caught up in a traffic
Hugh: Let’s talk about something everyone does – including people who love each other – but that lots of people think they shouldn’t be doing at all (which is one of the things that makes it hard to do well):
Welcome to the newest blog in the East Side Institute family, "Talkin' Therapy with Hugh Polk and Ann Green". New articles will be posted shortly and we hope you will return to read and comment!