Miriam Davis, LMFT

Bad mosquitoes in L.A. right now. Interesting article on why they bite some people more than others, some prevention tips and some treatment tips if you do get bitten.

I have observed a dramatic increase in new clients (especially male clients) coming into therapy with intense anxiety and anxiety related symptoms. I can't hel...p thinking that the disturbing political chaos and jarring national and international problems are seeping into the fabric of all (or most) Americans' lives. Fear of recession, conflicts with previous national allies, constant exposure to outrageous and/or unbelievable statements made by our national leader, clear and frightening evidence of climate change and environmental destruction, erosion of previously protective regulations and the constant disregard for immediate gun safety laws...are all seeming to lead to a national (perhaps unconscious) sense of vulnerability. Parents worry about their childrens' present safety and future survival! Adults (single, with partners, with or without children) seem increasingly obsessed about their own physical health, safety or well being. Long term or newer immigrants no longer view this country as a haven of safety. We are all living through a period of great stress and unease. It is deeply distuurbing to witness this erosion of hope, calm and optimism in so many Americans. I truly hope this will change as quickly as possible. We must all be part of this change so that we can all resume our confidence in the future for ourselves and for future generations. See more

I have often called "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day" Hallmark holidays...because people feel compelled to buy and send cards to their mothers or daughters or fathers or sons in honor of those days. But mothers and fathers really DO deserve appreciation, maybe not with cards and flowers (thought those things can be sweet,) but with the acknowledgement of the love, care, effort, thoughtfulness and time that parents give to their children. Perhaps this care doesn't always co...me with a smile. Parenting in this busy, expensive world where parents must often work AND deal with their childrens' activities and needs is difficult and sometimes exhausting. But MOST parents do it because they want their children to experience life with joy, fun and HOPE. They want their children to know they are loved....even if they are asked (for the 50th time) to put their toys or shoes or backpacks away. They want their children to grow into loving, respectful, thoughtful, responsible, caring adults. So these mothers and fathers MODEL that same behavior the best way they can despite fatigue and various limitations. In a world too filled with violence and anger, parents can be and mostly ARE an oasis of safety and love. For this they truly deserve appreciation on MOTHERS'S DAY and FATHER'S DAY. See more

So the first month of the New Year is almost over. Let's think about New Year Resolutions. Are they helpful? Do they work? Like going on a diet there's a built in problem with New Year Resolutions. If you plan to change a life style or a habit...or break up a friendship or a relationship...you really have to think about WHY that habit or food or person is in your life. You like it (or them) and they give you something in return...relief from tension, relief from boredom..., relief from loneliness...or just RELIEF. So if you give it (or them) up...you eventually FEEL what you were trying not to feel. And let's say you decide to "indulge" or "connect" just a little bit. Most people then feel like failures...like they've really "blown it" now! So they give up trying completely, feeling despair or frustration. They're back doing the very things they intended to stop! But let's say...you decide to change something for JUST ONE DAY....or JUST A FEW DAYS! That's far more do-able than changing something for a year!! Or forever! And the result of that is....a feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT AND SUCCESS!! You can give up cookies or chips for a day! You can avoid texting a difficult friend for 2 days! You can be a SUCCESS at what you aim to do for 1 or 2 days. You're a WINNER! And that feeling of accomplishment has an enormous effect on your overall feeling of strength and self esteem. So...little by little, a day or two at a time...you actually SUCCEED in what you want to change. Try it! It works! And if you "slip"...don't give yourself a hard time. Just know that you're human and humans are NOT perfect. You always have the NEXT DAY to try again...and then you'll probably succeed. I believe in you!! See more