Talk about mixed blessings. The holidays can be times of joyful gatherings with loved ones, reunions with old friends and delicious feasts. They can also be days and nights filled with stress and anxiety, dreading everything from confrontations with unpleasant...
The Mark Of Machiavelli
Poor old Niccolo Machiavelli. There he was, a political philosopher toiling away in 16th century Florence, developing high-minded theories and writing The Prince — all the while blissfully unaware that he was doomed to have his name become synonymous with immoral...
Great Conversations Begin With Questions
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft When most people enter a conversation, they typically talk about something that’s appropriate to the nature of the relationship. You make small talk with strangers or acquaintances, catch...
Yes, You Can Learn To Communicate More Eloquently
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft Have you ever enjoyed a presentation where the speaker was absolutely enthralling? Maybe it was a TED talk, or a fascinating scientific presentation at a local university or perhaps a...
Three Ways To Gently Change Someone’s Mind
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft If you care passionately about a subject, you probably take the time to learn all about it. To take a lighthearted example, maybe you care deeply about the revolution going on in college...
The Upside Of Holding Yourself Accountable
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft It may be wishful thinking, but it seems there was a time when American politicians were willing to take responsibility for their actions — when they held themselves accountable to the...
The Science Behind The Art Of Conversation
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft People initiate all kinds of conversations, usually with the expectation (even if unconsciously) that the conversation will be non-confrontational if not outright pleasant. The...
Stressed At Work? Tips To Avoid Burnout
The ubiquitous use of new technology has become something of a cross between humorous and horrifying. Everyone from comedians to TV dramas are showing parodies of a crowd of young people all engrossed in their smartphones. People walking — not to mention driving —...
The Pyramid Of Success
America is a bit of a sports-loving country. That’s why the National Football League has almost reached the status of a religion, with devotees devoting long hours on Sunday to watch their teams with adoration. There are enormous positive side effects, of course, to a...
Money Doesn’t Have To Be A Problem
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft Ask anyone in a long-term relationship what they think most couples fight about. Giving perhaps the most predictable response imaginable, people invariably say “sex and money.” For good...