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What's Up With That?

Katy Byrne: Disappearing Relationships

Sometimes not returning a text is so easy. You can tell yourself to let things go and sometimes that’s okay. I mean, it’s a good thing to let things slide. Until they become a landslide. These days it’s called “ghosting.” Some people drift away, off... Continue

Katy Byrne: Courage or Cowardice?

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” Alice Walker More people are withdrawing from conversations about politics now. Some say, “It doesn’t do any good.” Others whisper, “It’s too stressful.” I get it. We have to... Continue

Katy Byrne: Oh Give Me A Home

I've worked in housing for years, in low-income housing as a resource coordinator, and I’ve counseled homeless people. I have bought, sold and been sold out during the foreclosure years. I've been around the block.  Housing is a serious, insidious, corrosive problem for community. The... Continue

Katy Byrne: What Is Real Power?

Researchers have discovered in Hitler’s DNA evidence of Kallmann syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by, among other things, a small you-know-what. It might be easy to draw a conclusion from this, since compensating for feelings of inadequacy can lead to the strong man syndrome.  I’m... Continue

Katy Byrne: Restarting 

I wanted this column to pour some hope your way, along with the rains. It can be a confusing season – nutty, fun and sometimes sad as we venture toward a new year. Still, many of our endeavors come from wishing and footwork. For example,... Continue

Katy Byrne: Saying Yes to Life

I made a list of the worst and best moments in my life this week. I recommend doing it to see what you’ll learn. What matters most? What can be done to help the world? How will 2026 be different? When, in my past, was... Continue

Katy Byrne: Fa la la la la, Falderol and Holiday Next Steps

It’s definitely the “holidaze,” inviting feelings and emotional hairballs of all kinds! It’s been a rumbling year, pulling me toward some memories I wish to forget. The season lurks around us, with longing for what is lost and wanting more of whatever we don’t have.... Continue

Katy Byrne: Fractured Families and Friends

What to do? In my 50 years as a psychotherapist, this is the first time I remember seeing so many pervasive, glaring divides in relationships. Yup, politics has exacerbated our disagreements. The holes in families, friendships, work relationships and society remind me of Swiss cheese.... Continue

Katy Byrne: Reaching Out or Retreating In Winter?

Winter inclines us toward withdrawal. Though we need each other more than ever, the desire to hide lures us. Life’s strange and wobbly, which fits with the dark time of year descending on us. Still, community also sustains us.  In his new book, “In the... Continue

Katy Byrne: No More Donuts?     

It was a magical night on the Sonoma square at the last farmers market. Light rainy drizzle didn’t discourage anyone. The night sky was lit up with candles on tables as winter descended on us. The music and children played. Everyone seemed so grateful to... Continue