When I was a kid, like all the boys who came before and after me, I learned to deal with bullies. Some fellows fled, others took them on. One young man-mountain, who was tall and overweight, sat on me once. Another, whose fiery red hair matched the impression that I should stay away, had a […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
On Wednesday, I promised those who read today’s post the possibility of winning an autograph of Methuselah, the 969-year-old man of the ancient world. Unfortunately, there is a problem on the autograph front. First, Methuselah didn’t know many words. Some have suggested that this limitation on his ability to think not only compromised his […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
Since I am well into the Social Security years, it seems entirely fitting that I should tell you what I have learned about aging. Some it it will be funny, some serious, and some both. Put simply, …| Dr. Gerald Stein
On a recent visit to the Chicago Writers Museum, I conceived the idea of giving my eldest grandson the gift of a lifetime—something small, forever to keep. An exhibit featured brief short stories …| Dr. Gerald Stein
1 post published by drgeraldstein during September 2025| Dr. Gerald Stein
I heard many things from my patients, but I made no catalogue of their comments beyond what I wrote in their charts. That said, here are a few that come to mind, without identifying anyone: 1. I am…| Dr. Gerald Stein
In the lives of my grandparents, precise knowledge of the year or day of their birth was not guaranteed. Unlike those who lived at a slower pace, we have become preoccupied with time, perhaps begin…| Dr. Gerald Stein
4 posts published by drgeraldstein during August 2025| Dr. Gerald Stein
Think about stories. We have them and tell them, all of us. That has been true since the time of Stone Age Man. He tried to explain the world, the sun, the moon, and the stars. Add the plants, anim…| Dr. Gerald Stein
5 posts published by drgeraldstein during June 2025| Dr. Gerald Stein
Getting the last word can end relationships. Not always, but often. The rage builds in response to perceived offensiveness. Increasing resentment triggers one who has had enough. The chance of pushback grows. High volume, blistering, venomous comments come at once. You can’t retrieve or erase them. They can be unforgettable. Sometimes, a more measured retort […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
Many therapeutic interventions begin by looking backwards. The deep dive into the ocean of previous traumas focuses only on the patient and a few others. Is a broader scope needed? The circumstances surrounding any life are worthy of attention. The historical conditions in which one lives are essential to a backward glance at life, yet […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
Here we go: There is strength in numbers. We feel better with the support of other like-minded people who also benefit from our presence. My old friend Mel was a child during the Great Depression. He made no big deal of it because his father supported the family, and Mel never thought he was in […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
Understanding yourself is a tough job. I’d like to discuss what makes it difficult, along with two other short lessons that might help you a bit on your journey through life. 1. If you want t…| Dr. Gerald Stein
Blogging About Psychotherapy from Chicago| Dr. Gerald Stein
Much as we understand others, there are often things of which we aren’t aware. The painted acquaintance remains unfinished, no matter how long our association. Secrets separate — the em…| Dr. Gerald Stein