Thoughts of a Therapist
A Plea to Keep My Husband Alive
As told to Dr. Michelle Maidenberg by Elissa Hart Peer: My husband Zvi (known as Vic) is on dialysis and needs a kidney donor to survive. I am not a doctor, so part of our journey has included learning about kidney disease and educating ourselves about organ...
Parents in the Midst of the College Admissions Scandal: What Were They Thinking?
When I heard about the college admission scandal earlier today, I was disappointed rather than being all that surprised. It’s astounding the great lengths that some parents took to push their children ahead. I was asked what I thought would compel parents. I explained...
The Ultimate Mindfulness Exercise: Relating to Your Mind Like a Tantruming Child
I’m fortunate to be teaching a semester long graduate course on mindfulness. Having expanded my knowledge on the topic, being entrenched in continually researching it, and the incredible curiosity and inquisitiveness of my students which has led to compelling...
How Suffering Is a Gateway to Connect With Ourselves and Others
The other evening a client shared in session that she recently lost her 21-year-old-daughter due to an unfortunate accident. She didn’t know that I also experienced a profound loss just last month with the passing of my nephew just a day shy of his 16th birthday also...
3 Things You Can Do That Will Instantly Make You Happy
A Tribute to My Nephew Sammy Farkas As I write these words, I'm still completely overwhelmed with grief over the loss of my dear son, Sammy. He died one day before his 16th birthday. This tragedy began when he had gotten locked out of my apartment. As teenagers are...
A Homage to My Nephew: How Death Brings Us Closer to Truly Living Life
I’m on a plane heading back from my 15-year-old nephew’s funeral. He died a day shy of his 16th birthday. I am one of those fortunate individuals who never experienced the death of an immediate family member. I sadly anticipated the passing of my grandmothers in their...
