252 SelfWork: Is My Depression About My Relationship Or Is It Me?
Today I want to focus on the confusion that anyone can have about what’s causing their depression. And the important question is, “Is it me or is it my relationship?” The episode is in answer to an email I received from a 20-something listener but is a confusing problem for...
When Mom Is Emotionally Unstable. Seven Ways To Heal.
Mom. For many this word brings with it childhood memories of feeling safe while being tenderly tucked into bed, of band-aids and hugs when you scraped your knee, or of wise advice given when you fell in love for the first time. You watched your mom and learned from her; she was committed to...
Five Strategies to Deal With Empty Nest
As a therapist, I try to focus not just on concepts, but on tangibles to help people make concrete changes in their lives, no matter what issues they are facing.
This goes for facing an empty nest as well. There are very specific things you can do to help yourself get on with life after empty nest.
Anger. Is It Respected, Avoided, or Abusive In Your Life?
Anger. There’s a lot of it out there. My office is on a narrow one-way street that isn’t well marked as such. A while back there was a big cement truck traveling the wrong way; it pulled over to let me by and I gestured, smiling, that this was a one-way street. The guy screamed,...
When A Parent Needs Too Much: What Is Enmeshment and How Does It Hurt A Child
Being a parent is a complicated job. Healthy parenting includes doing your best to create a loving environment, supporting your kids so that their talents and interests thrive, and guiding them as they increasingly build their own life. All parents are going to make mistakes that impact...
Guilt and The Borderline Mother (Or Wife or Daughter or Friend): Nine Ways to Work Through It
Your phone rings; you look down and her name appears on your screen. Sadly, you dread clicking over…and then comes the guilt. Your history with her rushes into your mind as you wait for one more ring. You’re reminded of all the times that you’ve rushed to her side, comforted her,...
Should A Therapist Have Walked the Same Walk As You? My Perspective
After the 2016 presidential election, I got a call from a potential client, and she asked a question I’d never received before, “I need to know who you voted for.” I’ve been a therapist for over twenty-five years. I’d been asked if I was divorced, married, how old I...
Feeling Invisible and How To Confront The Shame You’ve Never Deserved
A lot of people feel invisible, for many different reasons. Perhaps you’re one of them; but what do you mean by “feeling invisible?” Perhaps you feel like you don’t matter, as if you aren’t a vital part of the world that’s going on around you. Maybe you feel overlooked by those who...
How To Not Be Victimized By Empty Nest. Letting Go With Intention.
My son is traveling at breakneck speed through the last semester of his college days.
Graduation is two weeks away.
He’s making decisions about his future — carving out a life for himself that will hopefully prove productive and fulfilling.
Why Women And Men Who Are Being Abused Don’t Leave. An Exercise for Understanding.
Trigger warning: Domestic violence discussed.. How did a jingle singer become a therapist? It took me years. I began by volunteering at the Battered Women’s Shelter in Dallas. I was singing jazz at the Fairmont Hotel bar; my night would end at 1:00 in the morning, and the shelter needed someone...
Dr. Margaret’s Book Now Available!
I'm thrilled to announce my new podcast has earned almost two million downloads! Join thousands of subscribers and tune into SelfWork. It's available here on the website under the tag "SelfWork" and for subscription on iTunes. We talk about similar things as here, but go even further in-depth. Hope you'll join those who listen weekly!
Click here to contact Dr. Margaret by email. I welcome your comments, personal stories, and questions. I will answer you!
