Book Giveaway Number Two!!

I am giving away a copy of “Heal Your Heartbreak: How to Live and Love Again” by Chuck Spezzano, Ph.D. It is a book, “full of practical wisdom about getting over the disappointments and setbacks that come from a broken heart.” 

I think it is one of the better “self-help” books when it comes to understanding the complexities of human relationships and intimacy. It is solidly grounded in theory, though quite practical with numerous exercises to help you navigate through a painful relationship.

The random drawing will be on Wednesday, February 5. To enter just send me a message and I will put your name on the list. If you haven’t already done so please “like” my Facebook page. While you are at it, visit my website listed above to keep up on future giveaways.

To get an extra chance at the drawing please share my page with your friends. I will notify the winner next Wednesday (and I will get your shipping information). No strings! Just spreading some psychological well being.

Happy Birthday Ollie!

Norvell Hardy, more affectionally known as Oliver or "Ollie" Hardy, was born 122 years ago today.  Ollie and his comic pal and sidekick Stan Laurel brought comic relief to millions during the height of The Great Depression through the end of World War II and today.    

What does this have to do with your mental health?  Evidence continues to emerge supporting the old adage that "Laughter is the best medicine."  Laughing has been shown to improve mood, reduce depression, and soothe tensions.  It can also play an important role in the management of anxiety and stress relief.  Finally, a shared laugh can help promote positive relationships, a key component of an emotionally healthy life.  Laughter should not be a substitute for professional treatment, especially for those suffering from severe mental illness, but it can be an important component in psychotherapy.  Used judiciously and genuinely in accord with the therapist's personality, a healthy and mutual chuckle can be beneficial in the psychotherapeutic process.

So dust off your VHS copy of "Sons of the Desert," queue up your favorite Seinfeld episodes on Netflix, and have laugh.

If you would like to learn more about my practice and share it with a friend please check out my website and "like" my Facebook page:

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Best,
Dr. Hanley



    

Book Giveaway - "Fear of Intimacy"

I've acquired a number of books over the years and have decided to start thinning my collection.  This week I would like to give away my copy of "Fear of Intimacy" by Robert W. Firestone and Joyce Catlett published by the American Psychological Association in 2001.  This is a well researched and readable text about many aspects of human relationships.  It is quite suitable for nonprofessionals but would be a great resource for clinicians as well.  The book description From Amazon:

"In Fear of Intimacy, the authors bring almost 40 years of clinical experience to bear in challenging the usual ways of thinking about couples and families. They argue that relationships fail not for the commonly cited reasons, but because psychological defenses formed in childhood act as a barrier to closeness in adulthood. A wide range of cross-generational case studies and powerful personal accounts illustrate how the "fantasy bond," a once-useful but now destructive form of self-parenting, jeopardizes meaningful attachments. Written in clear, jargon-free language, Fear of Intimacy shows how therapists can help couples identify and overcome the messages of the internal "voice" that fosters distortions of the self and loved ones. Related issues such as interpersonal ethics and the role of stereotyping are also discussed. The authors' innovative approach will be of interest to therapists and couples alike."

Free means, well, free.  No strings attached.  I'll pay for postage.  To enter just go to my Facebook Page and "like" it.  If you've already liked it send me a message and I will enter you in the drawing.  For an additional entry "share" my fb page (or this blog) with your friends or colleagues.  We're on the honor system here so just tell me if you shared it.  The drawing will be on Friday, January 17th.  I will let the winner know then and you can let me know where to ship it.

Best,
Dr. Hanley

Welcome to Dr. Hanley's Blog!

Thank you for checking out my website and blog.  I hope you find it engaging, useful, and occasionally entertaining.  I am a Clinical Psychologist serving the psychotherapy needs of those in the Metro Detroit area.  My office is centrally located in Southfield, MI with convenient access to many surrounding areas (e.g. Farmington Hills, Novi, West Bloomfield, Birmingham, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Livonia, Bloomfield, Franklin, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Plymouth, Northville, Berkley and more).  I provide outpatient psychotherapy (i.e. "talk therapy") to individuals, couples, and families and have a particular knack for helping people figure out what has gotten in the way of living happier, less conflicted, and more fulfilled lives.  I also have an interest in spreading the word about ways we all can encourage and foster emotionally healthy families and communities.

In the coming weeks, months, and perhaps years I hope this blog will continue to grow and evolve.  Is there something you are interested in having me write about?  Let me know.  Have a question about psychology, mental health, psychotherapy, etc.?  Drop me a line and I would be happy to address it for you.  I am looking forward to it.

Please check out my website:
www.stevenjhanleyphd.com

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