American Psychologist

17/04/2025

WEBA is a partner of ours in World Education. Visit our other website worldeducationconsultant.com to learn more.

23/12/2024

The integration of nature into recovery practices is an emerging trend that underscores its significance in healing. Recent studies highlight the therapeutic benefits of natural environments, particularly in regions like Norway and The Netherlands. As professionals in addiction and mental health, it is crucial to embrace this holistic approach. Our remote services are tailored to enhance these outdoor experiences, paving the way for innovative mental health treatment. Let us engage in a meaningful discussion on the future of recovery practices and the role nature plays in it.

15/06/2024

If you’re looking for summer sun, Amsterdam is NOT the place! Look to Spain, Portugal. Plenty there.

05/06/2024

Thanks to all organizers for the opportunity to speak of Uncomfortable Conversations at the ICCRR last week. If community is to build trust, it starts with individual resiliency brought about through conversation — conversation that is not always comfortable in topic.

11/12/2023

Rio is rio good! So many new families working with AP!

03/12/2023

Rio de Janeiro looks potentially like an erupting cultural epicenter of haves and have nots. The beauty is overwhelming, as is the need for proper housing for locals. Traffic is increasing as safe public transport is neglected. The people, the food, the local culture are exceptional. Definitively a return destination.

10/07/2023

HOT NEWS ! AP is your REMOTE ASSESSMENT PARTNER !

29/01/2023

PARENTS HELD HOSTAGE BY YOUNG ADULT HOLDING KEYS IN HAND: The Upheaval of Authority within family systems.

Much has been said and written about children behavior and understanding boundaries and keeping each individual. However, in my practice is now the more of abusive behavior towards parents of children grown into young adults.

Little is written lest said about young adults (YA) who blow up that model by overturning authority within families. The YA emerges as the prison guard over parents who are older, incapable of protecting themselves from the assertiveness, aggressiveness and violence. The YA are now holding the keys over life, car, house, family dynamics and the emotions of their parents. They are literally holding their parents' hostage using extreme emotions and expectations.

In a most recent case I've come to know a young adult in treatment who is so highly critical and aggressive towards parents, now saying that he will begin by suing them or "do something worse" if they attempt to withhold him their finances, any attempt further interrupting and directive over life (to include additional treatment or therapies), etc. He has set himself up to commandeer the power of the family, even while out of the house.

Certainly, this type of oppositional / anti-authority behavior begins during early childhood upbringing with over lenient, and often super emotionally needy caregivers / parents who "can't do" enough for their children -- creating finally a young adult who "can't do" anything for her or his self, except rely on parents for everything.

So, what to do? The courts and law enforcement can be of use; however, legal services are often not therapeutic. Clearly, an intervention can shift the dynamic, but not without recognizing the need for long-term change and introducing parent / YA education and continuing treatment. The usefulness of program solutions can't be underemphasized. Neither can the usefulness of a family therapist, such as Neil Brown, with whom I regularly work.

As a psychologist who possesses decades of experience within the behavioral health field, I have successfully assessed and placed many YA's into supportive residential programs. YA's who today thank me for turning their sinking lives into successes. They just couldn't fathom how to do it, until a treatment, mentoring program was introduced to guide them.

Without sounding simplistic, it's fundament to empower both the parents and the YA to look to apply themselves elsewhere, somewhere they can make a solid difference for themselves in individual growth, while bringing back a healthy family system thanks to professionals. I would invite other professionals' collaboration with me on this critical topic.

09/09/2022

08/09/2022

NEWS ! AP is NOW your REMOTE ASSESSMENT PARTNER !

29/07/2022

It came to my mind in living an international life style that the center of all life is (drum roll) language. Without speaking the language inherent in the culture, you are left out in the cold. For that reason, let this summer be the one where you practice a foreign language, say your French! Here are some recent photos from France to get you inspired! Avec plaisir!

27/02/2022

We’re all about helping to make you a better person!