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
I saw a man this morning, or was it midweek? I keep thinking about him. He wasn’t older than forever, but old enough for today and tomorrow. Mature enough to worry about costumes and conscience. I was driving to a suburban farmer’s market to pick up a knife I’d left for sharpening. As I entered […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
If I Knew the World Ended Tomorrow, I Would Plant an Apple Tree Today by Herakut in Berlin. — “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become bitter or hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. We will […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
Feeling alienated from the world is not a new phenomenon. We believe we don’t belong, and our lack of confidence underscores our strangeness. Authenticity becomes dangerous for fear of exposing our dislocation, as if there were a flaw in our manufacture, putting us in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two examples, many years […]| Dr. Gerald Stein
Opportunity knocks, but doesn’t tell us what we will find behind a different door. We often pursue what we’ve always wanted—something hard to turn away from. There are many possible vocations. Additionally, hobbies, vacations, romantic pursuits, and friendships compete for time. How about adding education instead of working or choosing to spend time with the […]| 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
