Postpartum OCD – Fear of Harming Your Baby

On August 7, 2012, in Harm-Related Symptoms, OCD, Sexual Symptoms, “Pure-O” Symptoms, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Parents brace themselves for many changes when a new baby comes home. As new routines replace old, life quickly becomes a confusing jumble of cherished memories, bottles, and dirty diapers.

Parenting can be joyful, but it can also be terrifying.

Parenting comes with many important responsibilities, and it can be intimidating–if not downright frightening–to be …  (read more)

The Power of Being Selfish: Selfishness as a Key to Mental Health

On August 22, 2011, in CBT, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

I’m about to tell you something that your mother might not approve of…so for those of you sensitive souls out there, you might want to click on something less controversial.

Here it is:

It’s okay (and sometimes even essential!) to be a little bit selfish.

Conventional wisdom, and our parents, often tell us …  (read more)

School Refusal & Parental Stigma: Am I a Bad Parent?

On August 17, 2011, in School Refusal, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Like any other behavior, school refusal does not have a singular cause. This is pretty self-evident, but in the heat of the moment when your child is having a tantrum, this fact is quickly forgotten. It is simply too easy to conclude that you have raised a “bad child.” Sadly, much of society might wrongly …  (read more)

School Refusal Causes (Social & Anxiety-Related Factors)

On August 16, 2011, in School Refusal, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

With the summer quickly fading to black and the academic year looming largely, we will soon be entering the season of school refusal. When I use the term “school refusal,” I’m not talking about that once-in-a-blue-moon occasion when a child forgets about an important test or project and decides it’s easier to feign illness …  (read more)

Parenting Kids & Teens with OCD: Don’t Feed the Reassurance Monster…and Other Quick Tips

On July 19, 2011, in OCD, OCD - General, OCD - Treatment, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Many excellent parents struggle with how to appropriately parent their child/teen with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Unfortunately, this process is rarely straightforward and is often counter-intuitive, which leaves many parents feeling anxious and confused.

As a psychologist in Palm Beach County, Florida, I work closely with kids, teens, and parents throughout the greater Palm Beach, …  (read more)

Trichotillomania: Goodbye “Trich Police”, Hello HRT

On July 15, 2011, in Trichotillomania, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Imagine that you have a rather large blemish right in the middle of your forehead. It’s not one of those pseudo-invisible blemishes that can only be perceived by you. Rather, it’s an angry, red mark that is readily apparent to nearly all the people with whom you interact throughout the day. Most people are polite …  (read more)

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