Mental Health Decoded with Mordechai

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1292

Question 1: What is the role of a therapist compared to the role of a life coach? Question 2: I have an 11-year-old son who is beginning to develop a mustache. I gave him chizuk. From a practical standpoint, what is the appropriate way to discuss this with him? Question 3: What is MW’s perspective on offering lavish food as a reward for extra learning? Question 4: What is TMS therapy, and is it effective? Question 5A: Is the previous caller asking about the TMS alternative approach (often associated with Dr. Sarno)? It works on the mind–body connection, and it was very helpful for me.Question 5B: I would like to share that while I strongly believe in the mind–body connection, I also chose to go on medication, and it has been very helpful. I want people to know that medication can be used alongside alternative modalities.

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1291

Question 1 I have a 20-year-old son who frequently yells at me and tells me that I am not doing a good job as a parent. He often takes on a parental role, speaks to me disrespectfully, and crosses appropriate boundaries. I need this behavior to stop. Is it appropriate to set firm limits, such as telling him that I will not drive him if he continues to act this way? Question 2 I called in last week to Radio Kol Bramah on 1/19/25, Program 1 (Episode 1289), Question 5. I am the great-grandmother who asked about how to respond to people who are going through difficult times. The ripple effect from that program has been unbelievable—I received calls from many people who were deeply impacted. I would like to remind everyone that when someone is going through a hardship, it is important to reach out rather than shy away.

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1288

Comment 1: Thank you to the MW radio support group for the support. I feel its one huge support family.  Question 2: I’m in therapy, but feel my therapist doesn’t support my level of Yiddishkeit. What should I do? Question 3: A grieving relative is isolating herself. Should the family encourage engagement or respect her space? We didn’t sit shiva together and still feel the loss. Question 3B: My three-year-old became very clingy after hearing her cousin went up to Shamayim. How should I respond? Feedback 4:In our family’s loss, a teen didn’t want shiva visitors and didn’t want to be seen as a nebach. Are we meant to give into her?

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1287

Question 1:  I run a bookkeeping office and am happy with my employee’s work, but she avoids responsibility and speaks to me as an equal. How do I address this without harming the relationship? Question 2: How does EMDR therapy work? Question 3: People suggest my husband take in a child from an unstable home. What should we consider before committing, especially if I have limited energy? Question 4: I’m a mother of young children. My husband works days and builds a business at night. I feel bored and lonely, yet guilty for feeling this way. How do I handle it? Question 5: How can I manage myself and support my teenagers during mood swings at home?

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1285

Question 1A: You often say parents should go to therapy instead of the children—why? Point 1B: Progress matters more than perfection. Point 1C: You can’t force someone into therapy, but your own change can shift the environment. Question 1D: My 9-year-old son is very sensitive. His therapist validates him a lot, but when he gets hurt, he can lose control and hit others. He feels he can hurt others, but no one can hurt him. How should I handle this? Question 2: I have a 14-year-old chavrusa that I support, but I don’t see results. How do I work with him more effectively? Feedback 3: After listening to the first radio program on blushing, it became much easier for me to manage. Feedback 4: Last week’s program was difficult, yet you stayed calm and responded clearly and thoughtfully. Feedback 5: My husband has a friend who stopped therapy and medication. We set a boundary—remaining his friend but not supporting his mental-health struggles. Shortly after, he returned to therapy, resumed medication, and went back to work.