Author: Jonathan Bellin, LCSW

November 3rd, 2015

He had always been aggressive and had been hospitalized numerous times.  His anger was uncontrollable. Medications were no use and therapy had not proved helpful. He was large, strong, determined, and would attack anyone, even his mother. She had grown to fear him.  When home with him, she never knew what he would do.  Would he attack her children? Would he break things, throw things, and punch more holes in the wall?  Sometim …
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Author: Jonathan Bellin, LCSW

August 6th, 2015

Working as a clinician in a high crime neighborhood poses its own set of challenges.   It is hard to feel safe, especially if one doesn’t naturally blend in. It is hard to be accepted by ex-convicts and parolees, drug dealers, and murderers. It is a very educational experience but it comes at a high price.  About 50% of my caseload of 75 people were diagnosed with PTSD.  You think you know about PTSD until you come into …
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Author: Jonathan Bellin, LCSW

August 3rd, 2015

It is very important when observing and diagnosing behavior in children to differentiate between aggression and hyperactivity.  Hyperactivity is not synonymous with being oppositional or aggressive. Hyperactivity is a defining feature of ADHD but aggression is not.  Similarly, in Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), a child is oppositional with rules at home and/or in school but they are not physically aggressive.  There are disord …
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Author: Jonathan Bellin, LCSW

August 3rd, 2015

It is a popular misconception that sex is the central focus in the psychotherapy of most adults.  This is not true.  Sex might be discussed within the context of a person’s relationships, but therapy is a place for people to talk about what gives their life meaning and sex is not usually high on the list. Relationships, family, work, personal fulfillment, losses, life choices, empowerment, shame, identity, anxiety, power, self-est …
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Author: Jonathan Bellin, LCSW

August 2nd, 2015

When parents suspect their child may have ADHD and bring that child into my office there are two questions they want answered quickly: 1.What is wrong, and, 2.What can be done about it? The first step in the treatment of any medical or psychological disorder is to get an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become more prevalent in the past decade, both in children and adults.  One of the c …
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