Dr. Mary C. Lamia PH.D.
Psychologist | Psychotherapy
Box 163 Kentfield CA, 94914About
Independent psychotherapy practice with adults, adolescents, preteens, and couples in Marin County, California; Professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, California.
Education and Training
University of CA, Berkeley B.A. 1971
CSPP Ph.D. 1977
SF Psychoanalytic Institute Cert. in Psychoanalysis 1995
Provider Details
Dr. Mary C. Lamia PH.D.'s Expert Contributions
The Many Faces of Anxiety and Why It Can Be a Friend
The designation of emotions as positive or negative has little to do with their value, but instead involves how they motivate us by the way they make us feel. Nevertheless, there are undoubtedly times when normal anxiety has led you to feel a bit unhinged. At excessive levels, anxiety places you on...
How can I help my separation anxiety with my baby?
Our emotions are wonderfully designed to provide us with information and motivation. They influence our lives by silently directing the decisions we make. Your emotions are informing you of a possible disruption in your connection with your baby. Your thought is that you have "separation anxiety," but the emotions behind it are likely distress, fear, sadness, guilt, and other feelings as well. If we step back and imagine living hundreds of years ago, it would seem rather strange for humans to leave their babies. You feel "separation anxiety" because you are attached as you should be. Children do adapt, given they are with good caregivers, but that does not remove the loss we may experience from separation, especially if we prefer to remain at home with the child. Understand that you feel as you do because that is what a mother who has closely bonded emotionally with her 2-year-old is supposed to feel under the circumstances. I do not believe it is something to "overcome." But, instead, these feelings are something to acknowledge and accept if you decide to go back to work at this time. READ MORE
How can I get over a fear of going to a psychologist?
Embarrassment, which is related to the core emotion of shame, is something all humans experience. Often we are relieved when we can admit our hesitation to say or do something because we are fearful about the possibility of experiencing shame. As well, when we can express what it is that creates shame in us to someone who is accepting and helps us understand why we feel the way we do, it can be a tremendous relief. So if an individual closes up when they meet a therapist, hopefully the therapist will be able to recognize the difficulty and help the patient learn from it. READ MORE
Do psychologists ever have a "time frame" in mind?
In the context you mention, psychotherapists are quite different depending on their theoretical orientation and their personal approach to treatment. Is therapy for many years better than a short-term fix? Impossible to say. Some therapists focus on the process of treatment, where there seems to be beginning, middle, and end phases. Others have a specific protocol depending upon the symptoms presented. Then there are those who are flexible in their approach and treat the presenting issues and are available if later issues arise and the patient wants to return. Your question is complex and the answer depends on many factors, including financial ones. Nevertheless, it is a very interesting question that I will present to my graduate students for discussion as I believe they should be aware of their own biases in this regard. READ MORE
Meltdowns Behaviour
Often it is best to talk to a child when he is not having a meltdown, rather than at the time. Bedtime can be a time to tuck him in and be curious about what he is feeling when he runs off in a meltdown. But tread lightly and make sure the question is phased in a way that doesn't shame the child. When we can't put feelings into words sometimes the only recourse is a meltdown. It's important to help children find words for what they feel at any given moment, but when they are in the middle of a meltdown, it's impossible. READ MORE
Looking for help with my teenage daughter
Rather than see a mental health professional, it is important for teens to remain connected to their parents. A psychiatrist or psychologist cannot "stop any issues before they start." However, a strong relationship between parent and child can be protective. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Professor Wright Institute, Berkeley 2001 - Present
Awards
- 2012 Family Choice Book Award
- 2011 Italian American Psychological Society, Distinguished Italian American Psychologist Award: “Outstanding achievements and distinguished contributions to psychology”
- 2007 San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute and Society (San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis), Distinguished Service Award
- 2004 The Northern California Psychiatric Society Media Award
Professional Memberships
- National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
- American Psychological Association
- American Psychological Association, Division of Psychoanalysis
- Division of Qualitative Psychology, American Psychological Association
- California State Psychological Association
- Marin County Psychological Association
Areas of research
Emotion, grief, shame, procrastination, motivation, and anxiety.
Dr. Mary C. Lamia PH.D.'s Practice location
Dr. Mary C. Lamia PH.D.'s reviews
Write ReviewRecommended Articles
- What Is a Sociopath? Definition, Characteristics, and Treatment
A sociopath is an individual who has a personality disorder, which is characterized by antisocial, deceitful, and manipulative tendencies. Sociopaths also lack empathy and usually have a hard time forming relationships. Most of the time they are irresponsible, and in worst cases, do not have a...
- Music Can Prevent Chronic Stress
Stress is inevitable in life; however, it is less manageable if an individual experiences chronic stress on a daily basis for an extended period of time. Stress triggers a series of reactions that initiate the stress response in cells throughout an individual's body. Commonly, if stress persists for...
- Can Aquatic Therapy Benefit Children with Autism?
Children with autism face a ton of obstacles and challenges throughout their day to day lives. Parents, researchers, and medical professionals work tirelessly to try and find new ways of helping children with autism with sensory disabilities. There are a host of new therapies and techniques that...
- Social Networking Sites May Reflect the Realities of Your Life
Social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter may reflect the realities of your personality, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Science. This was revealed by group of researchers who tried to determine whether people fake it on social networking sites...
- 12-Year-Old Pianist with Autism Blows Audience Away on Harry Connick Jr. Show
Tina Velazquez knew that her son, Jacob, was special very early on. When he was just 13 months old, he was not speaking; however, he had learned the entire alphabet by heart. By the age of 2, he had memorized all 50 states and the 7 continents. During this time, Jacob was also diagnosed with speech...
- Can I Prepare for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Trying out cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a decision one can make for himself, but you can get recommendations from someone or from your doctor. Getting started...
Nearby Providers
- Mr. Ronald M. Ruff PH.D.909 Hyde Street San Francisco California 94109
- Erika TomlinsonTelehealth San Francisco CA 94102
- Dr. Charles Marmar M.D.4150 Clement St San Francisco CA 94121
- Dr. Jodie NewDelman PSYD454 Las Gallinas Ave San Rafael California 94903
- Dr. Carole Petiet PHD 94705
- Dr. Stancil Joseph lister Hutchinson PSY.D.1390 Market Street San Francisco CA 94102