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What's Up With That?

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

Katy Byrne: Fixing What’s Gone Wrong          

In his song, “American Tune,” Paul Simon wrote it well: “When I think of the road we’re traveling on – I wonder what’s gone wrong.” I hear everyone guessing, none of us knows for sure; how did we get ourselves into this mess? Seriously, we’re... Continue

Katy Byrne: Rock n’ Roll or Rocking Chairs?

Getting old is weird. I still imagine dancing wildly and climbing steep mountains. Wanting the gusto out of life, I get bright pink tennis shoes to boogie in – instead of high heels. I wonder, would relocating to Italy be fun? Then my mind reminds... Continue

Katy Byrne: Confronting Hatred, In Ourselves And Others

Among the questions echoing in most of us these days is this one: “How can we be in this place of so much hatred?”  I too, wonder, so, I lay in bed remembering my decade, and Joni Mitchell singing the beautiful, haunting, honeyed song “California,”... Continue

Katy Byrne: Men

I am feeling a lot of compassion for men lately. Reading the news doesn’t help me with that, but my therapy work does. The topic is ticklish these days, with the onslaught of throbbing, bullish boys in courtrooms, etc. Even the gift of a Jumbo... Continue