A Society of Absent Fathers

We’re all entitled to an opinion, right?  Do you remember Andy Rooney, he used to give his straight forward and sometimes controversial opinion at the end of 60 Minutes?  I’d like to share mine and it has to do with this, the effect the absent father is having on society. R-E-S-P-E-C-T I’ve not been shy about…

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A Story of Volunteerism

  Would you be surprised if I told you a story about seven young men, ages 11-16 working every Saturday in a garden?  Charity Patch is Born Five years ago, my wife and I set out to “find” an initiative we could get behind that would allow us to give back to the community.  Long…

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Dr. Clay on The Tom Roten Morning Show

Can you spare a few minutes to listen to my recent interview with Tom Roten of The Tom Roten Morning Show?  I think you’ll find it helpful; we cover many important topics.  What We Talk About

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Warning Signs of Opioid Abuse

I’ve written many times about teens addicted to and dying from heroin, smoking pot and drinking. I recently covered the warning signs of suicide. There’s another potential killer you should be aware of, opioid abuse. I am dedicating this blog to my dear friend who recently lost his 29-year-old son. Opioids Can Kill According to the…

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Warning Signs of Suicide

It seems a day doesn’t go by without hearing about another suicide on the news, from a friend or a client who’s either dealing with the pain of loss or worse, having suicidal thoughts. Me Too As a therapist I help clients deal with the devastating effects of death and the loss that accompanies it on a regular basis.  I’m also…

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Parenting Tips: Schools Out!

Spring and summer are my favorite seasons; the days are longer, and the sun shines brighter!  However, I know for many parents this time of year can be chaotic because SCHOOLS OUT!  Where’s my son, and what’s he doing!  School’s Out for Summer So here it is barely Spring time and the kids are getting out of…

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Fantasy Son

  Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child; a fantasy!  You looked at your newborn boy and saw endless possibilities. He’ll be a doctor, star athlete, CEO of a corporation or President of the United States! The problem with this kind of thinking is that there is usually—in fact, always—a difference between this fantasy son you’ve created…

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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…

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Counseling 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…

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Rite-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…

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