Blog
24 Jun Medication vs. Therapy for Anxiety: What Does Research Say?
Posted at 2:17 pm in Individual Therapy by jlbworks
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults each year. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by constant worry, racing thoughts, or physical symptoms like rapid heart rate or restlessness, you may be exploring treatment options. Two of the most common approaches are medication and therapy—but how do they compare? Here’s what current…
02 Jun The Nashville Mental Health Scene: Resources for Anxiety & Depression
Posted at 11:16 am in Depression Treatment, Individual Therapy by jlbworks
Nashville is a city that hums with energy—from the music drifting out of Broadway honky-tonks to the growth and innovation seen in neighborhoods like The Gulch and East Nashville. But behind the city’s vibrant energy, many individuals quietly fight challenges that aren’t as visible: anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. These struggles are deeply human. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, st…
27 May “Maggie Brings to Mind the Angry Wife in a New Yorker Cartoon Who Exclaims to her Puzzled Husband in Front of Their Marriage Counselor, ‘Of Course You Don’t Know Why We’re Here. That’s Why We’re Here!’” (How Can I Get Through to You: Reconnecting Men and Women by Terrence Real, p. 33)
Posted at 12:23 pm in Uncategorized by jlbworks
By Philip Chanin, Ed.D., ABPP, CGP Board Certified Clinical Psychologist Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry Vanderbilt University Medical Center www.drphilchanin.com philchanin@gmail.com Terry Real states to the husband of a couple he is working with, “The fundamental thing is that, real or imagined, your wife experiences you as someone who, though you don’t mean her harm, is n…
12 May “The Mass of Men Lead Lives of Quiet Desperation” (Henry David Thoreau in Walden, 1854): Reflecting on the Challenge of Leading a Fulfilling and Satisfying Life
Posted at 11:08 am in Individual Therapy by jlbworks
By Philip Chanin, Ed.D., ABPP, CGP Board Certified Clinical Psychologist Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry Vanderbilt University Medical Center www.drphilchanin.com philchanin@gmail.com “But when one follows the path of individuation, when one lives one’s own life, one must take mistakes into the bargain; life would not be complete without them. There is no guarantee—not for a…
25 Mar How to Convince Your Partner to See a Marriage Therapist
Posted at 5:12 pm in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
Marriage is a journey filled with ups and downs. While every couple experiences challenges, not all know how to navigate them effectively. If you’re considering marriage counseling but are unsure how to bring it up with your spouse, it’s essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect. Dr. Phil Chanin, a marriage therapist in Nashville, has successfully helped couples learn new commu…
10 Mar “Art is a Wound That Turns Into Light” (George Braque): Considering the Role of Art and Creativity in Psychotherapy
Posted at 9:02 am in Individual Therapy by jlbworks
“I am very curious about how, after 50 years on the job, Bruce Springsteen still finds inspiration for his songwriting. He answers not as a rock star but as a member of a tribe, the humble representative of anyone who makes art for a living. ‘You have your antennae out,’ he says. ‘You’re just walking through the world and you’re picking up these signals of emotions and spirit and history and event…
27 Feb Support for Families Dealing with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Posted at 1:15 pm in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by jlbworks
Dealing with a family member who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can be challenging and emotionally taxing. Understanding the disorder and seeking appropriate support are crucial steps toward fostering healthier family dynamics. Dr. Phil Chanin, a counselor for Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Nashville, TN, has years of experience helping families and individuals navigate NPD. He…
27 Jan A Couples Guide to Handling Conflict After the Holidays
Posted at 3:05 pm in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
The holidays are often seen as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But for many couples, the post-holiday season can bring unexpected tensions. As the decorations come down and life returns to normal, unresolved conflicts can resurface, leaving partners feeling disconnected. If you’re navigating this challenging time, you’re not alone. Dr. Phil Chanin is an experienced clinical psychologi…
13 Jan Paying Attention to Someone Else’s Needs or Feelings at the Expense of My Own: Reflections on Codependency
Posted at 1:36 pm in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
“But my poor Saul, there’s no help for you, you’re heading straight for it. What about all those marvelous people we know, aged about fifty or sixty? Well, there are a few of them…marvelous, mature, wise people. Real people, the phrase is, radiating serenity. And how did they get to be that way? Well, we know, don’t we? Every bloody one of them’s got a history of emotional crime, oh the sad bleedi…
30 Dec Navigating Marriage in a World of Social Media
Posted at 12:23 pm in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
It’s no secret that social media is a constant presence in our lives. From sharing milestones to staying connected with loved ones, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have revolutionized how we interact. But for marriages, the constant comparison game on social media can be a breeding ground for insecurity and discontent. Dr. Phil Chanin, a licensed Marriage Psychologist in Nashville,…