The Blog

When a person or situation “gets a reaction out of us” they are in control, and often our behavior and words are not in our best interest. The difference between reacting and responding is a long pause. When you pause, you align with your power. Pause before you speak or act today and see how […]

Depression is often confused with sadness. Everyone feels sad or “down in the dumps” at times in their lives. Sadness is a natural reaction to something upsetting or painful. It is also a transient feeling that typically passes when someone comes to term with his troubles. Depression, on the other hand, can linger for weeks, […]

If you’d like an unusual way of getting some insight into social dynamics, you might be surprised to find that the research at the PEERS program for Autism has some lessons to teach everyone. We don’t often think at a basic level why two strangers have and continue a conversation. It turns out at the core, it’s about discovering “common interests”. As you move into dating, things get more complicated, especially when you are on the Autism spectrum. If you are curious about my familys’ journey, take a look at the UCLA Semel’s CART newsletter.

Facing the holidays while going through a divorce is challenging. From family dinners to holiday parties, the next 2 months are filled with events that may make any newly divorced or divorcing parent feel isolated, overwhelmed, sad or unmotivated. Here are five specific challenges you may face over the next few months and some tips […]

By Stacey Lurie, LCSW  Group Therapy Los Angeles I didn’t enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year. But you never would have guessed it from looking at me. My husband and I got into a fight early in the day. I don’t even remember what it was about. My four-year-old was grumpy because he was getting sick. […]

Dr. Gardenswartz provides “A Window into Group Therapy” in GPALA (Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles) Spring 2016 Newsletter.  

Dr. Gardenswartz comments on what to do if you suspect a coworker or loved one is depressed for Working Mother Magazine.

By Dr. Cara Gardenswartz Group Therapy Los Angeles When Lisa was nine, her soccer team made it to the playoffs. Lisa begged her dad to come, and fully asserted herself for the first time with him, “Come on dad, you never come to my games!” Her dad promised he would try to make it. When […]

Contemporary American culture is lacking something big. We are missing the basic collective belief that a postpartum rest and recovery period is a beneficial necessity for women. In countries around the world, women who have just recently endured the process of childbirth are afforded a period of time to heal and adjust to life with […]