Houston Therapy

10/26/2026

Can we talk about how often psychological terms get misused? 🧠

Boundaries, gaslighting, and narcissism are all legitimate psychological concepts. But somewhere along the way, they’ve become labels that people throw around during disagreements, conflicts, and everyday conversations.

Having a different perspective isn’t necessarily gaslighting. Setting a boundary doesn’t mean controlling someone else’s behavior. And someone acting selfishly doesn’t automatically make them a narcissist.

These distinctions matter.

When we misuse therapy language, we risk turning concepts that are supposed to help us understand people into labels that shut down conversations.

Psychological language should help us understand each other, not become am******on.

Which psychology term do you think gets misused the most?

10/25/2026

A lot of people assume depression always looks like sadness. For many men, it shows up as snapping at the people they love, going quiet with friends, working longer hours, or reaching for a drink or a game to get through the night.

Many men learned early that sadness is a weakness, so the feeling finds other outlets. If several of these have lasted for weeks, it’s worth paying attention. And if someone you love fits this picture, a simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door.

I run a group practice in Houston called Houston Therapy. If this is affecting work, relationships, or daily life, we’d be happy to see if we might be a good fit. Link in bio.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the US.

psychology

10/24/2026

Depression in men can be easy to miss, even for the man going through it.

He still shows up to work. He still coaches the team. But he’s short with his partner, he’s dropped the things he used to enjoy, and when you ask, he says he’s just tired or stressed.

Many men learned that sadness is something to handle alone, so it comes out as irritability, distance, long hours, or a few more drinks at night. If that pattern has lasted for weeks, it’s worth taking seriously.

You don’t have to diagnose anyone. Try: “You’ve seemed different lately. How are you really doing?” Then give him time to answer.

If this is affecting work, relationships, or daily life, my team at Houston Therapy would be happy to see if we might be a good fit. Link in bio.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the US.

10/24/2026

Watch what she says right before she jumps.

This diver pumps herself up with short, supportive self-talk before a backflip off an iceberg. It’s the same psychological tool I talked about in my self-talk videos. The stakes are different, but the mechanism is the same: encouraging words that help you act when part of you wants to stay put.

Athletes and sports psychologists have used self-talk for a long time. Most of us use it too, we just don’t always notice whether ours sounds like a coach or a critic.

Video:

10/24/2026

Reposted from Adam Brownstein:

On November 16th, River Oaks Theater will screen the second in our series on AI and Psycholoanalysis "Ex Machina", and I am delighted to be joined by an old Midwood friend - Andrew Ge**er.

This is an amazing film that has gained increasing relevance given recent develppments in the world of AI.

We have two amazing discussants. Following the film: a conversation between Timothy Morton, PhD (Rita Shea Guffey Chair in English, Rice University) and Andrew Ge**er, MD, PhD (President and Medical Director, Silver Hill Hospital) — a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst whose principal interests and research lie in studying the neurobiological bases of social cognition. Together they will approach the question of Ava’s interiority, and our own, from two directions that do not easily agree.

If you're joining in person, purchse tickets through River Oaks Theater.

If joinging for zoom - please use the Houston Psychoanalytic Society registration.

https://houstonpsychoanalytic.org/event/ex-machina/
https://www.theriveroakstheatre.com/movie/RiverOaks/Houston-Psychoanalytic-Society-Presents-EX-MACHINA?d=11/16/2026

Ex Machina (Alex Garland, 2014)
HOUSTONPSYCHOANALYTIC.ORG

We promote psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles through creative discussions, networking, and continuing education and invite you to join our vibrant community. Join Us Learn More Learn More…

10/23/2026

A lot of people assume their inner critic is just their personality. Often it started as someone else’s voice.

When we hear the same harsh messages from people we depend on, like a critical parent or a coach, we eventually start repeating them to ourselves. Many people hold on to that voice because they believe it keeps them productive, but research on self-compassion suggests kindness can support motivation too.

Three places to start:
1. Catch the exact words
2. Ask whose voice it sounds like
3. Replace it with something kind and useful

If this is something you’re working through, my team at Houston Therapy would be happy to see if we can help. Link in bio.

10/22/2026

“Get up, you lazy...” or “Okay, come on. You can do this.”

Same moment. Same goal of getting off the couch. Very different message about who you are.

A lot of people assume harsh self-talk is just how they motivate themselves. But words we repeat to ourselves every day, for years, tend to become part of how we see ourselves. Harsh self-criticism has been linked with lower self-esteem, more shame, and more depression.

Supportive self-talk doesn’t have to be over the top. Talk to yourself the way a good coach or close friend would: honest, warm, and on your side.

Part two on where that harsh voice comes from is on my page.

10/22/2026

Most people never notice the tone they use with themselves. Over time, it can shape how they feel about who they are.

This morning I was running late and gave myself a quick pep talk: “Okay, Daniel. Come on. You can do this.” A lot of people say something very different in that moment, something shaming or cruel. Same situation, same goal, completely different message about who you are.

Harsh self-talk repeated for years has been linked with lower self-esteem, more shame, and more depression. Supportive self-talk doesn’t need to be over the top. Talk to yourself the way a good coach or close friend would: honest, warm, and on your side.

Part two is coming: where that harsh inner voice usually comes from.

10/21/2026

Parenting a teenager with ADHD can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re having the same conversations over and over again.

Your teenager may be incredibly capable in some areas and still struggle with things that seem relatively simple, like starting homework, remembering assignments, or getting ready on time.

As teens get older, expectations increase. But the executive functioning skills needed to meet those expectations may still be developing.

And there’s another piece I think parents sometimes overlook: by adolescence, many kids with ADHD have spent years hearing about what they’re doing wrong. That can have a real impact on their confidence and willingness to ask for help.

We want to help our teenagers become more independent while recognizing that they may still need structure, encouragement, and support.

💬 Would you like a separate video on how to hold your teenager accountable without making them feel ashamed? Let me know in the comments.

📌 Save this for the next time parenting your teen with ADHD feels especially challenging.