The Laudable Life
Let’s Not Blow Off Valentine’s Day
Q: My partner says he “doesn’t believe in Valentine’s Day” and doesn’t want to try to “make a big deal out of it.” As a bit of background, our efforts to celebrate the last few years have been disasters (restaurant service turned out to be terrible, one-year our sitter called at the last minute to…
Better Sleep with CBT-I
Q: I’ve battled with my sleep for over a decade. Melatonin, Tylenol PM, and prescriptions help, but they eventually stop working or leave me feeling hung over. What can I do? A: Struggling with sleep can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, if you’re seeking a long-term solution, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) could be…
Exploring Psychedelics for Depression
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression? Q: I’ve been in treatment for depression for years, both therapy and medication. Yet, I’m still struggling. I’m considering alternative treatments, including psychedelic-assisted treatment. My husband and therapist are against it. Can you help me decide? A: We’re sorry you’re still experiencing symptoms despite years of care. Understandably,…
Supporting Your College Freshman Using EFFT
Q: My daughter just started college and calls me every night, upset because she hasn’t made friends yet. I love supporting her, but it’s taking up all my evenings. My husband thinks I’m enabling her. How can we help her adjust while balancing our own needs? A: It’s common for parents to feel torn…
Respecting Rules and Fostering Independence During Summer Break
Question: Our daughter is home from Cornell University, and we are struggling. She says she doesn’t need to follow our rules because she’s an “adult,” but she’s still under our roof. Plus, it’s rude to come home at 3 AM when we will be worried and sleeping poorly while waiting for her. What can we…
Refusing Swim Team Practice. Help!
Question: My rising third grader enthusiastically joined the Lakelands Lionfish but is now refusing to go to swim practices. How can I encourage them to stick with it? Answer: It’s challenging when a child backs away from commitments, especially when they initially showed excitement. Dr. Jessica Stutzman, our Psychological Associate and child CBT therapist suggests…
Not Fair! Pool Guest Pass Negotiations
Question: We’re organizing a pool party for my daughter’s birthday, and I’m stuck in a family debate over the guest list. I’d prefer a small gathering of five kids, but my daughter wants to use our entire pool punch card to invite more friends. Her siblings feel this is unfair, arguing they won’t get to…
3 Strategies For Dealing With A Critical Mother-In-Law
Q: We spent spring break with my in-laws. I was miserable. My mother-in-law is so critical of everything I do, and I feel hurt and angry whenever I am around her. My husband won’t intervene, insisting she can’t or won’t change. How can I prepare to see her this summer so she doesn’t ruin my…
“That’s Not Fair!”- Navigating Summer Camp Scheduling With Multiple Kids
Q: “I’m struggling with feelings of guilt around scheduling my kids’ various summer camps. Managing the logistics and trying to satisfy everyone’s desires is stressing me out! My older one’s equestrian interests always seem to get priority in both budget and scheduling. I feel bad about my other kids always having to compromise and…









