Together, we’re going to explore life and love. Send me a question and I’ll offer ideas about why something is giving you trouble and what to do about it. But let’s get something straight—I’m not Dear Abby or Dr. Phriggin’ Phil. To be honest, pop psych “relationship experts” me a little queasy. I can’t stand some well-coifed shrink shilling generic advice and making complex matters sound simple. People and relationships are complicated. I won’t beat you over the head with pat answers. We’re not going to shy away from the abstract, the intellectual, or the spiritual. And we’re going to laugh together at what happens when love makes us go crazy.
So send me your questions about relationships. I’ll respond to one every month. I won’t use your real name or publish your email address. We’ll focus on romantic relationships, but feel free to ask about other types, as well. Sigmund Freud said that our emotional issues surface in love and at work, so problems with your colleagues are also fair game.
One more thing (alert: “please don’t sue me” disclaimer coming) . . .
I will not answer any email directly. I’ll use one or more questions to create a monthly topic. I’ll give broad advice, some of which won’t apply to your particular situation. You will not be my “client” or “patient.” The best way for you to address emotional distress or relational problems is to receive direct services from a mental health professional. According to the laws and ethics of my profession, I cannot provide psychotherapy or any form of psychological treatment unless someone enters into a contractual relationship with me. The purpose of this column is to entertain and provide general information.
There. Now maybe I won’t lose my psychologist license when someone takes a suggestion to “ditch” her lover too literally.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Crazy Love,
The Man Shrink
Read the March Ask the Man Shrink column
Ask the Man Shrink is published monthly. Each column features a real question from a reader, and we invite other readers to respond with their thoughts and insights by posting comments. If you have a question for Stephen, please send it to him care of the editor at rbrown@realgirlsmedia.com. Your question will be kept in the strictest of confidence.
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