By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

We asked Dr. Cecilia Ford, a psychologist in private practice since 1987, to discuss a possible path to psychological recovery for the three victims of the horrific kidnappings in Central Ohio.

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

“After my menstrual cycles began to change, I became more volatile, needed more sleep, and, for no reason, would sink into an emotional pit: feeling hopeless, having trouble concentrating, and not knowing how to climb out of the pit.” What should I do?

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

“In the golden age of Freudian psychology,” Dr. Ford counsels a woman whose husband is having an affair, “everything was always about sex. But the current thinking is that even SEX isn’t always about sex. Your husband’s infatuation with his trainer bears all the earmarks of a classic midlife crisis . . . his wish to feel young and powerful again.”

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

Psychologist Cecilia M. Ford counsels a much-disliked office manager on (1) changing her behavior and (2) the power of praise.

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

To the anxious parents of a late-adolescent: It is hard to change your parenting style after all these years, but if you recognize that the needs of an adult child are different from those of the child you once knew, it will be easier.

“We had multiple blow-ups over little things and big things, and I was always accused of being the instigator. Then there was make-up romance for a day.”

Ten tips for leading the good life.

By Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner

Pope Francis delivered his first Sunday Angelus prayer and address from his papal apartment on Sunday, March 17. He said, “God never tires of forgiving us, but we sometimes tire of asking Him to forgive us . . . Let us never tire of asking God’s forgiveness.”

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

“I understand that it is a little late for me to fix my shyness, but I am now in crisis. I have to get a job that will give me benefits. I am not sleeping, because I can’t think of anything but the disasters that will happen to me if I don’t get a job.”

By Martha Fontaine LaValla

This is one of my favorite book titles. It has many extension possibilities. One my father might have liked is “Being Dead Is No Excuse for Not Planning One’s Own Funeral.” When we went through his neatly entitled “Death” folder, it was no surprise to find his obituary as well as a personalized, pre-printed bulletin for the Requiem Eucharist he wanted, complete with chosen psalms and favorite hymns.

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D

I am the stepmother of a 27-year-old woman who makes life almost unbearable for me. Do you have any suggestions for intervention?

Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D

“How do I find out if depression is causing me to put my life on hold? And should I do something about it?”

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Mommie was waiting for us. I have heard that the dying do wait for those they love, and this has now happened to me twice. Once, when my mother-in-law Natalie was dying, she, too, waited for us as we drove the eight hours from Kentucky to Orchard Lake, Michigan.

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

“I have had a decent relationship with my always-demanding mother, but now, with her declining cognition, it has deteriorated. She refuses to allow anyone to come in to her house except family. . . . period. What strategies can you suggest for management of this situation and for getting all of my siblings on board?”

By Ellen Sue Spicer-Jacobson.

“The first 50 years are only a warm-up.” I read that heartening declaration in a magazine article years ago—and was skeptical. But at 75, I have some perspective on that. I know it’s true.