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WELCOME TO DR. NEILL NEILL’S PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Here you will find hundreds of the practical insights I have gleaned from my years of professional and private life. As a columnist, I’ve written many articles about relationships, including codependency and addiction. But I’ve also shared insights into happiness, self-growth, mental health, trauma, grieving and other life issues. Just click on a category to the left.

CONSULTATION: If you need to discuss an issue, I am available for consultation via Skype or telephone. Often one consult is enough to gain some clarity about your next steps. CLICK HERE for more information about process and costs. I do read all your comments, but with over 50,000 visits a month, I’m sorry it is no longer possible for me to give a written reply to the personal questions you leave. (Other readers, however, often do respond.)

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Learning to Deal with Adult Alcoholic Children

Alcoholic adult childIn one of my articles I talked about how addiction and codependency can be two sides of the same coin. That generated yet another request for an article about dealing with alcoholic children.

It’s a difficult assignment for me because the psychologist who helps others with relationships tainted by any of a myriad of issues, including addiction, codependency and dealing with adult children and parents who abuse alcohol, has himself fallen into many of the same traps. Continue Reading »Learning to Deal with Adult Alcoholic Children

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Alcohol Abuse and Codependency: Two Sides of the Same Coin

addiction / codependencyAs my sister-in-law’s ex-military husband sank into his confined world of alcoholism, she refused to shrink along with him. She was very clear she would not go through another divorce. Instead, she vigorously pursued her garden, bridge and investment club activities. She maintained a strong bond with her middle-aged daughter and many friends…until cancer ended her life.

Her approach was not typical. To her credit, she chose to look after herself, rather than adjusting her behavior to keep the marriage in balance. Continue Reading »Alcohol Abuse and Codependency: Two Sides of the Same Coin

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Why is it so hard to just say no?

Saying NoThe word “no” is required many times and in many forms in life. You say it to others; others say it to you. I’ll give some examples.

The Drink

You stop at a friend’s place for a coffee. He offers you a drink. You say no, because you won’t be there very long and you have a long drive after you leave. But you found it hard to say no, because it was a nice gesture and you would enjoy a drink, so you explain that you have to make the long drive when you leave… Continue Reading »Why is it so hard to just say no?

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Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Romantic couple drinking a toast to their many years together

Romantic couple drinking a toast to their many years together

The Good

A cool drink is so refreshing and mellowing on a hot day! It melts away the busyness of the day. It’s a great relaxant after a stressful day at work. It’s the universal social lubricant when people get together for fun or celebration. Continue Reading »Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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Lessons from Near Misses and Close Calls

From an early age whenever I wanted to try something new, my mother would grill me on my readiness: “How would you handle…?” “What would you do if…?” “and if that didn’t work…?” If and when she believed I had thought something through and would be able to keep a cool head when problems arose, she would give me the go-ahead. White-knuckle motherhood at its best! Continue Reading »Lessons from Near Misses and Close Calls

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