by Rev. Michael Heath | Aug 1, 2022
There is good news for those who worry about the stigma associated with mental health.
The amount of stigma surrounding counseling is much less than it used to be. When I first started counseling in the late 70s, some men would not schedule appointments during daylight hours for fear of being seen going to a counselor’s office.
Although attitudes have improved, many people still view getting help with emotional problems as embarrassing or even shameful. In large part, this discomfort is due to certain lingering myths about mental health. Common myths created misunderstandings about psychological disorders and their treatment. Here are some common notions which are misleading and or false:
by Rev. Michael Heath | Dec 15, 2020
Where to begin ? 2020 has been an absolutely horrible year for so many with increased social and racial tensions, violence, economic ruin, sickness and death all under the never ending threat of the COVID virus. Indeed, these have been depressing times. Worse, the unexpectedly long duration of this plague has worn down the our resolve and exhausted our energy and dampened the joy of the holiday for many . This year depression is not simply a clinical diagnosis. For many it is a daily reality.
Nonetheless, the end of the year has brought signs of hope. We have new president who acknowledges the reality of the viral threat and is committed to waging a vigorous and unified attack against the disease. Most importantly, the arrival of effective vaccines will mean that the end of the devastation and death is in the foreseeable future.
Whether you suffer from depression which pre-existed COVID or whether life over the past few months has simply become too much, here are some tips to help you cope with the holidays and make it to the new year:
by Rev. Michael Heath | Dec 17, 2016
A lot of brain research has been in the news lately but this one really is a “big deal” ! For those who have who suffer from treatment resistant depression and who maybe considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) this research and, specifically,...
by Rev. Michael Heath | Jun 15, 2015
Here is a great link from Web M.D. that lists 18 triggers for depression that you might not have recognized and which become more potent as we age. 1. Midlife 2. Overload 3. Low vitamin B 12 4. Low testosterone, lowered libido 5.Thyroid disorders 6. Arthritic pain...
by Rev. Michael Heath | Aug 13, 2014
Robin Williams’ tragic death has shocked and saddened us all. Today we want to use this tragedy as opportunity to shine light on the serious disease of depression. It is important to know that, even in this day and age, there is much confusion and ignorance...
by Rev. Michael Heath | Aug 14, 2013
1)What is Post Partum Depression, how common is it? PPDD is technically known as a major depressive disorder with post-partum onset. This condition is a mood disorder which also has physical symptoms and impairments. It usually occurs within the first four weeks...
by Rev. Michael Heath | Sep 5, 2026
Job’s Impatience: A Guide to Expressing Anger Constructively
Traditionally, the biblical character Job goes with patience, as in the common phrase “having the patience of Job? Job | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY Many Christians praise Job as a model of enduring faith in the face of adversity. What Does the ‘Patience of Job’ Mean? Indeed, despite unimaginable loss and suffering, Job declared his loyalty to God and did not curse him.
While not as widely appreciated, Job’s impatience is of equal importance. Various theologians,Holy Anger: Jacob, Job, Jesus: Basset, Lytta: 9780802862372: Amazon.com: Books , Yale literary critics, The Vision of Tragedy: Richard Sewall: 9780300008951: Amazon.com: Books, and even the cartoonist Charles Schulz, point out that the story of Job is complex and not simply about blind faith. Further, they directly challenge the common cliché of Job’s patience. Peanuts’ character, Linus, went so far as to say, ” A person who speaks only of the patience of Job reveals that he knows very little of the book.” ‘Peanuts’: Suffering, baseball, and religion.
Today I want to demonstrate how Job’s righteous anger, rather than his servile patience, offers a useful model for both honest faith and constructively expressing frustration and outrage in the wake of tragedy.
by Rev. Michael Heath | Jul 17, 2026
Today I want to talk about the difficult and complicated problem of internet pornography. The proliferation of internet-based porn staggers the imagination and creates many problems for both individuals and relationships.
As a therapist, I have noticed a significant uptick in the number of clients contacting me for what they refer to as a porn addiction. While the term porn addiction is widely used, both the American Psychological Association and the WHO (World Health Organization) do not recognize porn addiction as a stand-alone diagnosis or psychological disorder.
Technically, the current diagnostic term found in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) for excessive and uncontrollable urges to masturbate to pornography is Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD). If a person feels out of control with porn or if masturbating is interfering with important aspects of his life or relationship, talking to a counselor can help. Understanding the source of their obsession and learning better ways to cope will relieve distress and restore control.
Sex isn’t the Problem
The key to understanding compulsive porn use, like with any compulsive behavior, is to realize that the behavior itself is not the problem. The use of pornography is an inadequate attempt to cope with an underlying problem. Thus, effective treatment requires both identifying and addressing the root cause.
For example, a person who abuses alcohol often uses drinking as a way to numb or provide relief from the pain caused by something like anxiety or a loss that they feel overwhelmed by and don’t know how to resolve. Once they recognize the problem and are confident that they have the resources and plan to deal with it, the need for alcohol diminishes. The same is true for sexual compulsions.
The last time I wrote on this subject was seven years ago. A Reasonable Approach for Discussing Masturbation and Pornography: Part 1 | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY(revmichaelheath.com) Given that misunderstanding has not declined, I wish to review and debunk some of the most persistent myths about compulsive masturbation and pornography. Let me be clear, however, while debunking myths, I am not promoting pornography. My only concern is that folks know the facts.
by Rev. Michael Heath | May 1, 2026
Science Assaulted with the Reprieve of Reparative “Therapy”
With the soaring price of gas, the Iran War, and the Supreme Court’s latest assault on civil rights, Americans have a lot to worry about. Don’t look now, but there is another, ongoing problem that is getting worse, viz., the growing anti-science mentality of our government’s leadership.
It’s time for America to restore respect for science. Not only does the misinformation regarding things like climate change, transgender issues, or vaccines defy reason, but it also poses serious risks to our nation’s health and well-being.
Even more discouraging is seeing the Supreme Court continue to chip away at settled science. Consider how they recently overturned Colorado’s law, which banned reparative therapy (RT) https://www.npr.org/2026/03/31/nx-s1-5768170/the-supreme-court-struck-down-a-ban-on-conversion-therapy-in-colorado
This ruling is a serious blow to the authority of medical and psychotherapeutic science. In response, California’s legislature moved to bolster its ban it. In turn, the Washington Post (Post) ran an editorial accusing the California legislature of choosing ideology over freedom of speech. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/04/23/californias-conversion-therapy-bill-puts-ideology-over-free-speech/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYWyBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeuhPPM6Xvc_ndkNuK6zxQrcCDFrYon5iBmcQgCqiNUsOiqW62c-TAvRG779s_aem_01ftp_xEu-gaKRAP1lmMXg
Further, it condemned California’s legislature’s bill for holding reparative practitioners liable for damages. https://kesq.com/news/2026/04/19/california-responds-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-conversion-therapy-with-new-bill . It argues that a therapist’s freedom of speech trumps the anti-reparative therapy claims, which it calls ideological.
As a licensed mental health counselor, I disagree. (Reparative therapy’ | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY) Specifically, the Post editorial is wrong on two counts:
1) Opposition to reparative therapy is based on science and not ideology, and 2) Psychotherapists, like other medical professionals, do not have the same liberty of speech as in private conversations or public debate. Here’s why:
by Rev. Michael Heath | Mar 15, 2026
Recently, my wife and I went on vacation. Since our usual spot was closed for renovations, we decided to book a nearby resort. Unlike previous getaways, this place was not adult-only. Initially, I was somewhat concerned about what that would be like. Fortunately, my worries were quickly assuaged, and I was happily surprised. Indeed, what I discovered was the wonderful experience of watching parents taking pleasure in playing with their children.
It was touching to see the delight on a dad’s face as he tossed a ball to his son in the pool. Likewise, I got a kick out of listening to the laughter of children splashing together with mom in the ocean.
With that discovery in mind, here is why delighting in and finding joy with your children is important for both them and you.
