Category: Dr. Ann

New Year’s – Fun? Dumb? Numb?

Every January, shortly after the New Year arrives, scores of my patients see me to report that they are extremely embarrassed about what they said or did on New Year’s Eve. This year how about not entering into what I call “Embarrassment Eternity” (EE). What hangs out in EE are things you have done or… Read more »

Solutions for Holiday Challenges

What obstacles can creep up on us during the holidays? Too many to count. Here are a few of the challenges that many of my patients have shared with me: Unhappy memories of sad Hanukahs and Christmases often blindside us. Last minute unforeseen challenges such as unexpected guests, forgetting to buy someone a gift, arguing… Read more »

Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays

I had a massage today! I felt my stress and anxiety over the holiday routines evaporate. As I walked out of the SPA where I go for respite, my thoughts automatically turned to, “Is there anything I should buy at the store?” “There’s only 12 days until Christmas Eve. What do I have to get… Read more »

Hanukkah and Christmas – What’s Your “Get Through It” plan?

Does just thinking about the holidays exhaust you or are you filled with anticipation and glee? Let’s do a little inventory: list your responsibilities; next to each one write “yes” or “no” depending if you like the responsibility or not; notice if you are involved in more situations that you dislike than you like; because… Read more »

To Decorate or Not to Decorate – A Relationship Opportunity!

I remember my own Christmases as a child. It was always a huge deal to get a fresh Christmas tree and decorate it. It was fun for me because I got charged with putting a few ornaments on the tree after which my dad plugged in the lights and there it effortlessly was! A beautifully… Read more »

Holiday Shopping and The Budget

If there was ever a topic that causes relationship challenges, it is budgeting and shopping for holiday gifts. Many patients come to me in January because their partner is furious about the overspending on holiday presents. There are usually one of two scenarios: either my patent is enraged with their partner for overspending, or my… Read more »

Program: How to Address Thanksgiving Challenges

Many of us feel sad and lonely when the end of the year holidays approach. We often spend time reminiscing about the “good old days,” or we focus on past regrets and current resentments. Sometimes we “celebrate” Thanksgiving in a way that is more about “duty” than fun, gratitude and enjoyment. On the other hand,… Read more »

Introduction for America’s Web Radio

New Programming Announcement My name is Ann Schiebert. I am a psychologist with years of experience helping patients with a multitude of issues. I have spent decades working in the Emergency Department and in the Mental Health Clinic of a major HMO where I am a trauma, addiction and codependency specialist. The name of this… Read more »