In The Press

Tribune reporter Lincoln Wright came to my office for an interview over my lunch break. I was particularly interested in this story because my children were at Adams High School when these threats were made. During our dinner conversation, my son Daniel described his reaction to his friend who panicked during class and how others […]

Dr. John Petersen is included in this story about children and concerning behavior.

Ask An Expert series brings together local experts to answer questions and highlight local resources. An annual favorite is the show about managing holiday stress. It’s ironic that the holidays are probably the most stressful time of year. I enjoyed learning from panelists Dr. Kimberly Warren and Dr. Michael Englert about their work supporting and […]

It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Virginia Pelley about fathers’ toxic shame for Fatherly.com. Her writing represents many hours of interviewing psychologists and counselors who sit with parents every day in the intimate work of helping with family leadership and child formation. She puts their wisdom in a well written, interesting article. In […]

My father and mentor in psychology is fond of saying, “Being born into a family is like being born into the middle of Act II in a three act play. That metaphorical context is most apt for the second born child. The roles of parents and first born are taken, where do I fit in? […]

“If you have to insist on respect, you probably don’t have it,” says Oakland, California, psychologist Erica Reischer, Ph.D., author of What Great Parents Do: Simple Strategies for Raising Kids Who Thrive. “By then, it’s too late.”

Lindsay Stone came to my office for an interview on camera about abusive relationships. She put together a two-part story on a dramatic love triangle that captured the public’s attention. It was an excellent opportunity to share some important information about patterns of abuse and the very high risk when a partner decides to leave […]

Lindsay Stone is a local gem who consistently puts together engaging stories. I’m always happy to hear from her and learn what she is working on and discuss how I can contribute. New Years resolutions are important even if they go unheeded most of the time. They reveal our values and aspirations. If we can […]

South Bend Tribune Court and Public Safety writer Lincoln Wright interviewed law officials, me, and another psychologist about the recent uptick in threats of gun violence in high schools. See the link to the article below. I appreciate him considering the psychological factors of social belonging and personal agency in the school community as protective […]

I was very glad to take time with WSBT reporter Heather Black about the mass shooting in LasVega, a new low for our country as we risk becoming resigned to death by firearms as an acceptable part of our culture. Off camera, Ms Black and I shared concern about the tension inherent in the need […]

I almost passed on this phone interview because it isn’t the kind of press that usually contacts me. But I was very impressed Lemuel Monterro was writing about divorce in a regional wedding magazine. So much romanticized aesthetic and ceremonial work goes into a wedding, supporting an entire industry. Often neglected is a financial investment […]

The new school year is the childhood New Year with all the pristine hopes and excitement adults often bring to their January 1 celebrations and resolutions. Children are at their best in the fall, open and ripe for new routine and skills. With a little forethought and timing, children and families can find a new […]

On page 78 is an old article on a timeless problem, the stressful morning routine in a family with children. In our community lectures series, this topic is one of the best attended. I estimate 90% of parents are starting their day with some level of resentment or conflict as they find themselves taking responsibility […]

This was a very interesting report by local news reviewing a controversy over children exposed to breast feeding and a doll that facilitated children’s play that included nursing their doll. Many are uncomfortable with children mimicking breast feeding because they think of breasts in terms of sexual development and eroticism rather than imaginative play with […]