KarenSherman

Are You There?

One of the things I used to hate when I was a little girl was hearing my grandfather -- or for that matter even one of my parents -- refer to things in the past. Well, not really things in the past so much as the use of the expression, "In my day ..." I sort of promised myself that when I got older, I would refrain from employing that expression. It's probably a really good idea that I made that pact with myself because in my life time, there has certainly been an enormous amount of change. I'd be forever saying it to my kids and they already find me so annoying; I certainly don't want to add to it. Technology takes the lead More…

Intelligent Relating

Some of you may know that aside from my private practice, I also teach Psychology at an undergraduate level at a local University. One of the topics I cover is Intelligence. The widely accepted opinion now is that there is a much broader definition of intelligence than years ago. We now know that there are many different types of intelligence; it's not just what the intelligence test measures. More…

Take One for the Team

I have a confession to make. And I must honestly admit that I wouldn't make this confession if it weren't for the fact that there was an important lesson that I want to share with you. So, based on the greater good, here goes: I watch "Desperate Housewives." What do I get out of it? Nothing -- except pure mindless relaxation. That was until last night's episode where a particular lesson was offered. And then, today, a client came in and we were working on an issue. As I tried to explain my point to him, it reminded me of last night's show. That convinced me to communicate my insight with you as well. The show More…

Speak Up

Today's post is going to be a bit unusual. The topic may seem different than my typical ones. And ... the tenor of it may also appear unlike the one I usually take. What is the same is the motivation for writing it. This blog was spurred on by a somewhat personal situation. Though I try very hard in life to be a nice person and to approach others in an understanding way, there are times that it is necessary (yes -- necessary) to be more forceful. The story behind the story More…

Can You Forgive and Forget?

By now, most of you have most likely read articles or books regarding the concept of forgiveness. And, hopefully, if you've been hurt, you've been able to forgive. Kudos to you! But, then, there are probably many of you who are still unable to forgive the person who has caused you pain, who has emotionally wounded you. It is for you that I write this blog. I have planned to deal with this subject for a long time because I truly believe that when you do not forgive, you are hurting yourself. Anatomy of hurt: causes and consequences More…

October Awareness

This is my first posting in October. October is breast cancer awareness month and as such, I feel it only appropriate to write something regarding this topic. This concern is especially important to me not only because I am a woman, but because my very closest friend is a survivor, now going on 21 years! So, to you, my dear friend, to all the others who have survived this deadly disease, and to those who have sadly fallen to it, I honor you. No more shhh ... More…

Trust Your Inner Strength

Recently, I was babysitting my two-year old grandson. It was just the two of us having a wonderful day. We'd been playing outside on his driveway and just finished putting all the toys away into the garage. Our next activity was to be lunch, and he stood there while I closed the garage door. What had been an absolutely sunny and fun-filled morning suddenly changed. Due to some very careless move on my part, I closed the garage door on three of my fingers! After helplessly letting out a yelp, I looked at my fingers which now looked like pancakes in the fold of the door. (Ladies -- think mammogram multiplied by 100 due to the weight of the garage door.) The nitty gritty More…

A Different Look at Attachment

I believe that I've shared with you the fact that aside from being a psychologist in private practice, I also serve on the faculty of a local University in the undergraduate Psychology Department. In this role, one of the things I pride myself in is the ability to explain to a student a concept that she may find difficult in a way that is understandable. Admittedly, it gives me great personal satisfaction when I see the student's face change from a blank stare to one of acknowledgment. More…

Perceiving is Believing -- Not!

Not too many weeks ago, my husband and I returned from a trip we took out in Utah. While there, we hiked some national parks -- Zion, Bryce, Snow Canyon, and Kolob. I cannot even begin to describe to you how magnificent these natural sites were. I couldn't stop gasping as we turned every corner. I think by now you know how even while I'm relaxing my brain never rests. I'm always on the "lookout" for special experiences or lessons that I can learn and share with you. Of course, when you look for something, you find it (that, in and of itself, is a lesson). A little help More…

Making the Best of a Bad Situation

No doubt, you've been exposed to lots and lots of articles and books and various other communications about ways to cut down your stress. Even I address this subject both in writing and workshops as well as teaching my clients tools to deal with stress. Why? Because stress can have very adverse effects on your health -- both physically and psychologically. But there's also another side to stress. Stress can actually have some positive benefits! In fact, learning how to deal with stress can make you resilient. You may have heard the expression, "What doesn't kill you, makes you strong." Growing into it More…