Posts Tagged ‘life lessons’
Core Value Empathy
I’ve witnessed a fair number of parents lately making the decision to “shield” their son from tragedy, death, divorce; basically, anything that may cause sadness. It’s unhealthy, it prevents him from feeling/having empathy, let me explain why. What Is Empathy? Psychology Today says it like this: Empathy is the experience of understanding another person’s condition from their…
Read MoreCounseling Professional Deepens Expertise with a PhD
Honored to have my work recognized by Capella in this recent interview! Counseling Professional Deepens Expertise with a PhD Some people might wonder why Clayton Lessor* bothered to get a PhD. A licensed professional counselor in St. Louis, Missouri, he already had a successful career in private practice, as well as numerous speaking and consulting gigs. “I wanted…
Read MoreRite-of-Passage & Initiation (Part Two)
Last week I explained “rite-of-passage” and the important processes an adolescent boy goes through to become an initiated man. Now let’s cover what being an initiated man means! Initiation to Manhood Adolescence ranges from 11-18 years of age. According to theorist, this stage of life is crucial; it gives individuals the challenge of establishing an…
Read MoreRite-of-Passage & Initiation (Part One of Two)
There is a much-needed focus today by both broadcast and print media on males and masculinity; you can virtually find a program or article on the subject at any given moment. What I don’t see or hear is something I know very well through years of research, data and facilitation. Boys need a rite-of-passage and initiation…
Read MoreDr. Clay on KTVI-Fox 2
In a recent interview on Fox 2 morning news I was asked about “Millennials and Perfectionism.” Here’s a link if you missed it. http://fox2now.com/2018/01/29/local-therapist-talks-about-how-perfectionism-affects-millennials/ A new study in the Psychological Bulletin says young people are more likely than any other generation to feel the pressure to be perfect. As a therapist who works extensively with adolescents, families and…
Read MoreParents How’s the “Exit Plan” Going?
Have you started your son’s exit plan? First, clearly this is not about “kicking your son out of the house” into a scary world without preparation. It is exactly the opposite-it is responsible parenting, preparing him to be a responsible, independent and healthy adult. Exit Plans Are Necessary I often hear from parents that their adult son is…
Read MoreRaising Sons? The Need For Healthy Masculinity
Masculinity continues to be debated in the media as “bad” and “toxic” I’m motivated to bring some alarming facts to your attention. Perp’s in Sheep’s Clothing If you’re watching the news you are hearing weekly sometimes daily of arrests of female teachers, female coaches perpetrating adolescent boys. It’s becoming epidemic, CBS news reports there are more than…
Read MoreThe Quest Project-A Testimonial
Sharing a testimonial that is both validating and inspiring for me in the work that I do in The Quest Project®. Saying Thank You After a recent The Quest Project graduation, I received a very special Thank You note from a parent. Here’s what they said: Dr. Clay, We wanted to say THANK YOU for…
Read MoreRaising Sons? Managing Difficult Feelings
The sound of laughter is sweet; we all love to hear a baby giggle, kids and adults laughing! It makes us smile just hearing it. But what happens when your son’s sad or mad? No Laughing Matter I talk and write a lot about feelings, “The Big 4”-mad, sad, glad and afraid, more importantly about how…
Read MoreA Time To Reflect
I’ve never been one to do New Year Resolutions, but I do take time to “reflect” on the goals I set for each new year to measure my accomplishments! Here they are for 2017! Starting from the Top Let’s start with The Quest Project®, after all it’s the #1 program in my practice. I facilitated 62 adolescent…
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