by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Mar 30, 2021 | Marriage and Relationships
Michael was the culprit in this relationship with his wife, Jeanette, only he didn’t know it. As is often the case with abusive people, he blamed Jeanette for not “understanding” him. But today, as this couple speaks with me, Michael claims,...
by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Mar 16, 2021 | Marriage and Relationships
“Those idiots,” Michael thought. “Can’t they see that they’re making a huge mistake?” Just then his boss, Jim, came in. “Michael, can you explain what, exactly, happened between you and the engineering team? Three people came...
by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Mar 14, 2016 | Verbal and Emotional Abuse
“I am not getting angry over nothing!” Mordy said to Jeff just a bit too heatedly. He really felt defensive and he wondered how he ever allowed himself to confide in his closest friend that he and his wife were having problems. The fact that Jeff didn’t...
by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Jan 21, 2016 | Parenting
I was rereading a therapy magazine from 1999 — so the problems were full-blown even back then– and it related the following: In a difference of opinion between a child and her mother who wanted the TV shut off, as the mother’s demand became stronger,...
by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Jan 7, 2016 | Mental Health
Let’s say you were an alcoholic. Would it be better to be what the people in AA programs often call a “dry drunk,” i.e., someone who isn’t drinking but is white-knuckling it the whole time, or, on the other hand, someone who actually...
by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Jul 22, 2012 | Verbal and Emotional Abuse
Wait! Don’t rush to say, “Silly question, Dr. Deb. Mass murderers are crazy. That’s all.” Let me explain why I pose the question “What Motivates a Mass Murderer” by asking you another question: Would you rather be able to take control of your life or would you rather...
by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Jan 17, 2012 | Verbal and Emotional Abuse
You’re angry. Boy, are you angry. She didn’t do things the way YOU wanted them. A lot of good that anger’s going to do you. I mean, did you think that because you’re angry, she’s going to say, “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Did you think she will turn to you with eyes full of...
by DrDeb Hirschhorn | Dec 29, 2011 | Verbal and Emotional Abuse
Last post told Caroline’s story. She was falsely accused, attacked, actually, and awakened in the middle of the night for “discussions” until she finally lost it. I contended that under such circumstances, her behavior was not at all crazy, but normal. “Thank...
