Television
LENA DUNHAM’S SELFIE
Exercise Is Great
OCD Needs Much More
As a psychoanalyst who treats OCD, I want to chime in here. I certainly don’t think Lena Dunham’s Selfie on Instagram intends to give the impression that exercise is the answer to anxiety, OCD, or depression. Not with her years of struggle with disturbing thoughts that lead to OCD. There’s no question that exercise helps…
Read More
MAD MEN Season 7 Episode 8
Two Sides Of Don Draper
Which One Will Win In The End?
Don Draper’s (Jon Hamm) on the chase again in Season 7, Episode 8, but this time he seems different. So is Diana (Elizabeth Reaser). Don’s more sensitive than he’s been with any woman in the past. But, Diana: she’s like the old Don running from his past, the one we’ve known for 7 Seasons. Then…
Read More
AMERICAN CRIME
Ways To Make It “All Go Away”
Aubry’s (Caitlin Gerard) alive in American Crime Episode 6. But coming back to reality in the throes of withdrawal and without drugs is quite distressing. No one in American Crime wants to face the truth. Except, maybe Aliyah (Regina King), Carter’s sister. Truth can be very difficult to face. Aliyah says it well: “If they hurt…
Read More
AMERICAN CRIME
Why Drug Addiction Is
Sometimes Impossible to Kick
Nothing in Aubry’s (Caitlin Gerard) life in American Crime Episode 5 is as important or as enticing as drugs. Not even love. And, she’ll put her life and Carter (Elvis Nolasko) at great risk to get her fix. What are Aubry and Carter running from in Episode 5 of American Crime? Drug addiction isn’t the…
Read More
MAD MEN Season 7 Episode 8
Don Draper’s Dream &
The Mother He Lost
Mad Men Season 7, Episode 8, Severance, shows us just how much Don Draper needs therapy. Psychoanalysis would be even better, with his traumatic history, one he’s unconsciously living out. Don’s needed therapy for a long time. But, now, with Meagan gone, this loss repeats earlier losses. And, with Don finally opening up about the…
Read More
AMERICAN CRIME
The Damages Of Living
Under Someone Else’s Thumb
Living under someone else’s thumb is damaging to the spirit. We see that very clearly in the different ways the parents in American Crime try to control their kids. In my office, I see the effects of the shoulds. The “have to’s.” The chain of believing the only way to be loved is to please.…
Read More