Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

November 18th, 2021

Dear Therapist: Hi, I look forward to your column each week because you always have such insightful answers and opinions.
My therapist recently terminated my therapy with her. My psychiatrist as well has abruptly ended my treatment. I was not informed of the reasons as to why they stopped seeing me, and they did not give me closure either. I was wondering if this is a common thing for therapists and doctors to do. I was also wondering if I a …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

November 18th, 2021

Dear Therapist: I appreciate the tremendous service you provide to our community both in your practice and by clarifying and explaining so many mental health issues through this column. My daughter (age 13) was recently referred to therapy by her school principal due to concerns about her behavior. She insists my daughter must go in order to remain in school. My daughter is refusing to go. I am wondering if I can ask a therapist to meet my daught …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

November 18th, 2021

Dear Therapist: Our 14-year-old son has been seeing a therapist for a few months on the advice of his yeshiva. Recently my husband discovered that he has started smoking. It was disappointing and confusing to us that our son told us that his therapist has known for a while that he was smoking. I am very disappointed that the therapist didn't deem this information important enough to share with us, his parents. I would like to hear your option on …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

November 18th, 2021

Dear Therapist: As someone who has recently began mentoring struggling teens, I had a question that I hope you can shed light on. There is one very angry kid who comes from a difficult background, and he is not only tough in how he talks to others but also gets angry if someone talks to him in a nice and calm way. It is surprising that the kid seems to react better when someone talks down to him and is very direct, over someone who talks to him n …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

November 18th, 2021

Dear Therapist: I am an avid reader of this column and have found it very informative. I think it is interesting that so many of the questions are focused on disorders. People are asking what to do when they are struggling with a mental health issue. In general, I find that people do not think of "mental health" until something goes wrong. I imagine that just as with physical health there are things one can do to stay in shape and keep healthy to …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

November 18th, 2021

Dear Therapist: I am 43 years old and consider myself a healthy person Baruch HaShem. Recently I began having trouble sleeping. Sometimes falling asleep, but also waking up in middle of the night and not being able to fall back asleep. My doctor said there is nothing wrong with me physically and it is stress related. We have indeed been having some difficulty with our teenage daughter recently. At this point I am winding up tired throughout …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

November 18th, 2021

Dear Therapist: My primary care physician recently told my husband that he thinks he has ADHD. My husband never had that diagnosis as a child, though I am not sure that means anything because he had a lot of different issues going on as a kid and that may have slipped through the cracks. Baruch Hashem he is doing fine now but has had trouble staying on track, specifically in work related areas. The doctor would like to prescribe him med …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

November 7th, 2021

Mar b’rai d’Ravina ki havah mesayeim tzelosei amar hachi: Yih'yu l'ratzon imrei fi v’hegyon libi l’fanecha… Mar, the son of Ravina, when he concluded his tefilah, said the following: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before You...(Tehilim 19:15 cited in Brachos 17a) What do we mean when we say this pasuk at the end of our tefila? If, when we were davening, the words of our mouths matc …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

October 26th, 2021

Ben Bag Bag says: hafoch bah v’hafoch bah, dcholah bah (Avos 5:22) Hafoch in it and hafoch in it.  What is it?  The Torah. What does hafoch mean? Rav said to Rav Kahana, hafoch with an animal carcass, do not hafoch with words.  (Pesachim 113a) This means a person should involve himself (hafoch) with a carcass rather than involving himself with words because the latter leads to inappropriate speech... (Maharsha ibid) Accordin …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

October 21st, 2021

Omar Rabbi Shimon ben Halafta: lo matza haKadosh Baruch Hu kli machazik bracha l’Yisrael elah hashalom. Rabbi Shimon ben Halafta said: haKakodosh Baruch Hu found no vessel that could contain blessing for Israel other than shalom. (Uktzin 3:12) My colleague received this email: This coming week Selichos begins. My father used to wake me up when I was in 1st grade, and he'd take me at midnight to Shul. Therefore, I have been doing that with …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

October 21st, 2021

B’tzedek tishpot amisecha, Judge your people with righteousness.  (Vayikra 19:15) The Sages taught: Judge your people with righteousness: [this means that] you should judge your fellow with the benefit of the doubt. (Shavuos 30a) This is not referring to judging between litigants, rather it refers to seeing your fellow do something you could interpret as a sin or a merit.  You should interpret him as doing something meritorious an …
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Author: Olivia Thomas

September 22nd, 2021

  For all of us, this epidemic has created an unanticipated work-from-home atmosphere. We are someone who is accustomed to staring at screens from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. We have no idea how an 8-hour workday became a 10-hour workday! We can all agree that working from home has changed the way we think about work-life balance. Working in my pajamas was like a dream come true. And how can we say no to the frequent pauses we crave in the midst of our …
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Author: Olivia Thomas

September 22nd, 2021

Headaches are frequently misdiagnosed. The cause of headache pain is misdiagnosed in nearly half of those who suffer from it. As a result, a problem exists that may become more challenging for women in the future. Unfortunately, even female doctors seem to regard women's concerns as a way to get attention rather than genuine medical conditions. Women tell us that everything is fine; all they need to do now is rest. They're told it's all in their …
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Author: Olivia Thomas

September 22nd, 2021

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body becomes hyperactive and assaults normal, healthy tissue over time. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, joints, skin, kidneys, blood, heart, and lung damage. According to the study, roughly 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported each year in the United States, with up to 1.5 million people living with the disease. Lupus is a non-infectious disease. It cannot be passed on to …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

September 14th, 2021

Some people seem to be unsure of the meaning of one of the brachos we say every morning. When putting on shoes say [the bracha] she’asah li kal tzarki, Who has made for me all of my needs.   (Brachos 60b) What does putting on shoes have to do with providing all of my needs?  All I need is a pair of shoes?  That cannot be why the gemara associated this bracha with shoes. The Avudraham says, the reason for this bracha [bei …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

September 8th, 2021

This article, in its original form, was written in November of 2011. I spoke with the protagonist,  “Mirel,” last week.  Baruch Hashem, her daughter is now 13 and having the tantrums typical in form and to be expected of an adolescent.  Mirel is coping well and her daughter is the beneficiary. Here’s what I wrote, ten years and what seems a lifetime ago: I did not have a tantrum yesterday but if I were younger I j …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

September 8th, 2021

A person only connects to the higher levels through speech, it is the entire honorable part in him.  It is called the "living soul" of a man since the rest of the parts of the body die. And if a person loses this good part, the body remains dead and like an unwanted vessel. Therefore we are required [by halacha] to keep our word b’divrei Shamayim... And regarding all other matters, even though there is no positive or negative mitzvah a …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

September 8th, 2021

V’amarta bilvavecha koechi v'otzem yadi asah li es hachayil hazeh. And you will say in your heart, “My strength and the power of my hand have given me this success.” (Devarim 8:17) What do you think in your head after you’ve said that in your heart? You think, you realize, that the strength and the power came from Hashem. What about you?  What was your role in your success? Hashem gave everyone a vital role in succes …
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Author: Olivia Thomas

September 6th, 2021

A shooting or burning sensation is a common characteristic of neuropathic pain. However, it's usually a long-term issue that doesn't go away on its own. It can be relentless and terrible at times, yet it can also come and go. Nerve injury or a dysfunctional nervous system is common causes. Nerve damage causes a change in nerve function both at the injury site and in the surrounding tissues. Due to any disease or accident, sometimes the doctor nee …
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Author: mindi miguel

September 1st, 2021

Las mejores cámaras de seguridad para el hogar en interiores Si desea vigilar lo que sucede en su hogar cuando no está allí, pero no desea invertir en un sistema de seguridad para el hogar completo, vale la pena echarle un vistazo a una cámara con conexión Wi-Fi. Estas son las mejores cámaras de seguridad para el hogar en interiores de nuestras pruebas. Uno de los mayores beneficios de una casa intel …
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Author: bakait murad, mr

September 1st, 2021

Its an undisputed fact that jeans pants have humble origin. The jeans as fabric choice started with factory workers during industrial revolution in england. However they have evolved a lot over the centuries. jeans has now become a fashion statement. So much so that now almost every mainstream women fashion brand includes one a full range of women plus size denim dress. Although fashion brands like levis started bring out some early designs many …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

August 30th, 2021

Akavia ben Mehalalel’s son said to him, “Father, commend me to your colleagues.” Akavia said to him, “I will not commend you.” He said to Akavia, “Have you found something wrong with me?” Akavia said, “No.  Your deeds will cause you to be accepted, and your deeds will cause you to be distanced.”  (Eduyos 5:7)   He was telling his son that he should engage in maasim tovim in orde …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

August 24th, 2021

Vay’yisrotzatzu habanim b’kirba, the children ran [figuratively] inside of her.  (Braishis 25:22) Vay’yisrotzatzu habanim b’kirba: When she [Rivka Emeinu] stood at batei knesses and batei midrash, Yaakov moved convulsively to go out...  And when she passed by houses of idolatry, Esau ran and moved convulsively to go out.  (Braishis Rabbah 63:6) Stood at batei knesses and batei midrash: With reference to bate …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

June 12th, 2021

The Rebbe of Peasetzna, ZTZ”L HY”D, wrote about the difference between symptomatic treatment and healing. An analogy would be someone with a gastric infection that causes him to regurgitate. If he visits a quack doctor who treats only the symptoms, the infection itself will not be healed. The infection will continue to spread, pus and poisoned blood will increase. The underlying causes will overcome the suppressing drug, and the patie …
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Author: John Reids

June 6th, 2021

Hiring a commercial clearance company is imperative and essential for every company in Kingston looking to make that spotless and professional appearance. It is known that clearance services add that extra touch and finish to your business premises. A lot of companies, during a bad month, choose to cut corners because they feel that the money would be better used on something else. A waste removal company will ensure that your place is always cle …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

June 3rd, 2021

It may be that the Hebrew word m’funuk and the English word finicky are cognate.  Even if they share an origin, they have parted company in meaning. Rashi defines the term istenis as m’funuk.  (Sotah 11a) Finicky people are picky and often unsatisfied.  They complain more than they suffer. An istenis suffers. Rabbi Yannai says: All the days of the poor are terrible (Mishlei 15:15); this refers to one who is an istenis.& …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

May 27th, 2021

Rabbi Yehuda of Kefar Giboraya, and some say of Kefar Gibor Chayil, taught: What is the meaning of that which is written: “For You silence is praise” (Tehilim 65:2)? The best medicine is silence.  When Rav Dimi came from Eretz Yisrael to Bavel, he said: In the West [in Eretz Yisrael, which is west of Bavel] they say: If a word is worth one sela, silence is worth two.  (Megillah 18a) The best medicine is to refrain from sayin …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

May 19th, 2021

Dear Therapist: After multiple failures at work, I finally realize that my feelings of being intimidated by people and being anxious to speak my mind has been something that has gotten in my way all of my life. I wind up staying in my corner and not engaging or communicating with the people I am supposed to. The issue is that someone presented me with a great job opportunity which I accepted and will start next week. I really don't want to b …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

May 19th, 2021

Dear Therapist: About a year ago, our 9-year-old daughter started to engage in compulsive rituals.  She would have 1 specific ritual (such as checking that her heart was still beating) for a few weeks and then switch to a different ritual.  Right now, her specific ritual is sniffing is an unusual way.  This was/is not interfering with her performance at school or home, and she seemed happy overall, but we decided to take her to a p …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

May 19th, 2021

Dear Therapist: My primary care physician recently told my husband that he thinks he has ADHD. My husband never had that diagnosis as a child, though I am not sure that means anything because he had a lot of different issues going on as a kid and that may have slipped through the cracks. Baruch Hashem he is doing fine now but has had trouble staying on track, specifically in work related areas. The doctor would like to prescribe him medication, b …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

May 19th, 2021

Dear Therapist: I recently read an article describing different people who should be seeing a therapist. I have a good friend whom I feel matches the description in the article. The more I think about it the more I honestly think he could benefit from seeing one. The problem is being a 21-year-old and being told by your close friend that you should be seeing a therapist isn't the most pleasant experience. How as a friend am I able to convey over …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

May 19th, 2021

Dear Therapist: My 13-year-old daughter is an intense child. She puts a lot of pressure of herself academically and school is a big deal for her. All of her friends are going to (overnight) camp this summer and initially she had us register her as well. She is now insisting that she wants to stay home for the summer and "relax." She says she works hard all year, and she just wants a chance to have nothing to do. It is interesting that it doe …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

May 19th, 2021

Dear Therapist: I recently went out with a boy who disclosed on the 3rd date that he was seeing a therapist for depression. He said he had struggled on an off with depression since he was a teen and had sometimes taken medication for it. It turned out that the shidduch didn’t work out for other reasons, but I was really confused as to how to deal with that information. I liked him and he seemed like a perfectly normal boy, wh …
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Author: Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW, QCSW, DCSW

May 19th, 2021

Dear Therapist: My daughter was encouraged by her principal to see a therapist.  She has been misbehaving in school recently, nothing serious really, but the principal suggested it. She has gone through a lot as my wife was niftar 4 years ago, though she says she is fine and doesn't really seem different than the other girls in her class. They are all a tough bunch.  I mean she is a teenage girl so who can really tell what sta …
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Author: Robert Smith

May 12th, 2021

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain. Chronic, progressive nerve disease is a common cause, but it may also happen as a result of an injury or infection. Nerve pain may be a sign of a variety of illnesses, such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, and shingles. This can be annoying for such people, but it can also be debilitating even life-changing for others. Nerve pain can affect your life at home and work, whether it feels like fire, pinpricks, or …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

May 6th, 2021

Okay, the title is not quite accurate.  Rabbi Elimelech mi’Lizhensk did not draw this flowchart.  I drew it, based on the Noam Elimelech on Parshas Vayeira and Parshas Shemini.  (Pages 60 and 341 in Pe’ar Mikdoshim edition, 5774) The above diagram shows the hashpaah flowing from Hashem to the parents, who in turn, channel the shefa of Hashem to their children.  The children, seeing, hearing, and feeling Hashem&rsqu …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

April 29th, 2021

V’es Amalaynu, ailu ha’banim.  (Haggadah shel Pesach) Our hard work: this refers to the children:  For they are the hard work of man See how much effort man invests to raise them and teach them derech eretz and Torah, and he also works to leave them money after his death.  (Ritva, cited by Haggadah shel Pesach Misivta, 5774, page 553)   Our hard work: this refers to the children: The main reason that a person works …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

April 29th, 2021

A person should say, Masai yagiu ma’asai lima’asei avosai Avraham, Yitzchak, v’Yaakov? When will my deeds reach those of my forefathers Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov? (Tanna Dvei Eliyahu Rabba chapter 25) According to Chazal, we should aspire to be like our ancestors. This is a realistic expectation. Each and every one can be like Avraham our father and like the other holy fathers, and there is no generation in which there is no …
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Author: Rabbi Yitzchak Shmuel Ackerman, LMHC

April 17th, 2021

Igneous rock and logarithm are not musical terms. The slide rule is not about how to conduct yourself at the playground. In case these terms are not at your fingertips, may I remind you: Igneous rock is one of the three main rock types, the others being sedimentary and metamorphic.  Igneous rock is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. A logarithm is a quantity representing the power to which a fixed number (the bas …
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Author: Valarie Beatty

April 16th, 2021

By now you’ve heard about all the benefits of private travel. Booking your own private charter jet is the best way to fly whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. It's quick, it’s efficient, it’s comfortable, and it’s stylish. When you book your next flight it should be on the wings of the cutting edge in private passenger jet fabrication. However, Jets.com understands the possible concerns and questions yo …
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