Colleges have always been pressure cookers. The crucibles in which young adults can be fired to greatness are also heating some students to dangerous levels. Suicide and attempts are rising, as is campus violence. What’s going on? Helping us to understand the myriad pressures that today’s kids are under is Dr. Lynda Doyle, a therapist in-touch with the college generation. We also look at the controversial book, "Doing School" by Denise Clark Pope. Music heard on the show includes "Under Pressure" by David Bowie.

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Personal reactions to Hillary Clinton have been increasingly on my mind. I’m not referring to her political stances or affiliation, but rather to the organized and not so organized emotional responses to her as the first US woman to make it this close to the front door of the Oval Office. Hillary is a trailblazer. As such, she is perceived and judged differently than a man.

No matter what Hillary says, wears, or does, she provokes unending criticism. (more…)

As metaphors go, this is one of the best for teaching us how to succeed at virtually anything. Sometimes we are all that prevents true happiness in our relationships and careers. Here’s how to connect to your soul. Take this cello lesson, tap into your inner-self, and discover all you are, all you were meant to be. My thanks to fellow podcaster, Heidi Miller from “Diary of a Shameless Self-Promoter” for relating this story, and to author John David Mann for playing the notes. Music heard in this episode includes “Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major” by yo-yo Ma.

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Spare us the histrionics! Is there a drama queen in your life? Everything is always about them. Adversity befalls only them. One thing you must not do is play into it. Here’s is your DQ survival kit. Guest Wendy Susman. Music heard on this show includes “Drama Queen” by Dave Blackledge. E-mail me at asknow@askdrharriet.com

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Ever notice how most people notice your mistakes? Your shortcomings? Your limitations? You get into the habit of just trying to protect yourself from “constructive” criticism. Why? Because most criticism turns out to be negative. Who wants to be the target of that? Not me. And, I’ll bet not you!

Think about the possibility of what could happen if important people in your life noticed what you did right! What you did well! What you accomplished! How would you feel then? I’ll bet, great! Confident! Wanting to take on a new challenge.

Here’s a thought: (more…)

There is at least one in your life. Power is what they crave. Control is what they use to take it. Fear is what they hope to fill you with. Whether the intimidator in your life is a loved one, or someone at work, here’s how to recognize their tactics, limit their hold over you and, ultimately, how to avoid becoming their victim.

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It’s my way or the highway. Your feelings don’t count. Your way will never work. Your idea is stupid. There’s one way to deal with it–whatever “it” happens to be. My way. Sound familiar? What are your choices? You can buy into the tyrant’s beliefs. Play small. Remain scared. Or you can stand up to him or her. Sounds easy. So why is it sometimes so hard?

Fear. Fear you’ll anger the tyrant. Fear you’re not sure. Fear you might be wrong. When you operate out of fear, you lose confidence. You second guess yourself. You hesitate. You put off. You choose by not choosing .You give the tyrant the power to choose for you.

How can you stand up for yourself? (more…)

Ring in 2008 with a look back at our favorite moments of Ask Dr. Harriet. Ken and I hope you get as much enjoyment from listening to the very best of 2007 as we had bringing them to you! We’re excited about what’s cooking for our second season. Happy New Year my friends! Thanks so much for your loyalty! ~ Harriet.

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As the countdown to January 1st (fill-in the year) reaches single-digits, millions of us faithfully proclaim - sometimes aloud (gasp!) - our resolve to lose, change, acquire or better-balance something. What fools these mortals be. Studies show 4-out-of-5 resolutions are broken. Why? A little something called “ownership.” Happy New Year, anyway! Thanks for your loyalty and see you next year! Music this episode includes “My New Year’s Resolution” by Spike Jones. Web sites mentioned include Procrastinators Club of America.

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Been dumped by text message yet? Your lover tell you it’s over… by e-mail? A new study says many bozos are choosing the cowardly way out. Great! Like we need another reason for the holiday blues. Bad enough being single this time of year. Well cheer up (literally!). Here’s how to have the last laugh. Tips on surviving family get togethers too. Need more advice? You can always reach me by e-mail.

Music heard on this show includes “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King.

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