You have your own ideas about religion and politics. You have your own definition of honor, fairness, courage, authenticity. You have your personal philosophy regarding relationships, career and family. You have your own belief system. But how do you know if this belief system is really working? After all, a belief system is only as effective as the thoughts, feelings and behaviors… CONTINUE
Is Politics Even About Politics?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC For most people, voting in political elections is a social phenomenon at least as much as it is a political one. From a psychological perspective, there are two basic political parties: People who politically agree with their parents, people who politically disagree with their parents. In both cases, no one votes–or abstains from… CONTINUE
Fix Your House Before You Fix Others – Thoughts on Politics
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC Want to make someone crazy? Leave them only two crayons in the box, then ask them to draw a rainbow. Politics, politics, politics. It would make my head hurt if I cared much about politics. My wife and I lived in the Netherlands (Holland) for a year. At the time,… CONTINUE
The Positive Politics Challenge
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC Picture this scenario: You’re at a party. It’s late. A small group of party-goers is tucked into a corner somewhere, enjoying adult beverages. This group is laughing, clapping each other on the back, having an all-around great time. They’re talking politics. Not arguing, not criticizing various candidates, but expressing what… CONTINUE
Why Do Politicians Make People Crazy?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC, With the upcoming election looming, many of my clients have been riled up about this or that politician. I ask them to try an exercise. Suppose you hate Politician X. I ask you to read a short article of your own choosing about that politician–but it has to be an… CONTINUE
Top 10 Family Holiday Survival Tips
To paraphrase Ram Dass, a former clinical psychologist I greatly admire: If you think you’re a reasonable, well-balanced person, try spending a week with your family. To maximize family bonding this holiday season, and to minimize acts of family warfare, keep the following tips in mind when next you sit down between Crazy Uncle Hank… CONTINUE
Personal Strength: The One Week Challenge
Are you undervalued by your friends and family? Underpaid by your employer? Lied to by politicians, corporations, credit card companies? Most people feel wronged, to one degree or another, on a regular basis. And no doubt they are wronged. But can you really change your friends, your family, your boss, your political leaders? Probably not…. CONTINUE