@drjohnduffy.bsky.social
Some ideas for creating happy, peaceful holidays, especially in families of divorce. www.tmj4.com/shows/the-mo...
Tips for Making the Holidays Peaceful and Memorable
Clinical psychologist, best-selling author, speaker, and national media personality, Dr. Duffy joins us on The Morning Blend to share his advice for making the holidays meaningful and peaceful.
www.tmj4.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Some ideas for creating happy, peaceful holidays, especially in families of divorce. www.tmj4.com/shows/the-mo...
I often think about why we care so much about college and professional sports. My musings on the matter in Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
The curious nature of sports fandom
Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory
open.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I often think about why we care so much about college and professional sports. My musings on the matter in Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
You may remember I sounded an alarm about our college kids at the beginning of this semester. Here’s an update as I’ve spoken with many of them over the past week or two. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Your college kids: A Thanksgiving break status update
So your kids are back home from college for Thanksgiving break.
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
You may remember I sounded an alarm about our college kids at the beginning of this semester. Here’s an update as I’ve spoken with many of them over the past week or two. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
I’ll be talking this am about how parents can best manage the holidays when divorced or divorcing. Tune in to the Morning Blend just after 9.
December 2, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I’ll be talking this am about how parents can best manage the holidays when divorced or divorcing. Tune in to the Morning Blend just after 9.
So, I talked about the holiday blues yesterday, and we’ve all heard a lot about Seasonal Affective Disorder, a serious mental health condition. But this time of year, I suspect the majority of us experience something else. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Seasonal Affective Tranquility – a misunderstood reprieve
It hit me hard, first thing in the morning, on a mid-November Wednesday a couple of weeks ago.
open.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:46 PM
So, I talked about the holiday blues yesterday, and we’ve all heard a lot about Seasonal Affective Disorder, a serious mental health condition. But this time of year, I suspect the majority of us experience something else. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
I’ll be discussing the holiday blues and how to mitigate the symptoms this am on NewsNation. Tune in around 9:45. Look for a Substack tomorrow on the same issue. It’s a REAL thing.
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
I’ll be discussing the holiday blues and how to mitigate the symptoms this am on NewsNation. Tune in around 9:45. Look for a Substack tomorrow on the same issue. It’s a REAL thing.
Due to hazing issues, Indiana University shut down Greek life on campus. Other schools have enforced closures. The dangers of Greek life, hazing, sexual assault, binge drinking, remain rampant and troubling. My thoughts on the problems. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
The perils of Greek life on campus
“Indiana University’s Office of Student Life has barred 27 of its fraternities from hosting social events following multiple alleged hazing incidents over the past few weeks, according to a letter fro...
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Due to hazing issues, Indiana University shut down Greek life on campus. Other schools have enforced closures. The dangers of Greek life, hazing, sexual assault, binge drinking, remain rampant and troubling. My thoughts on the problems. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
We carry a lot from family that came before us, their triumphs and their emotional burdens. I’ve been thinking about family trees lately, and what we can learn from them. Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Lessons from the family tree
At the onset of therapy, typically during that initial session or the following, I like to create a quick little drawing of a family tree for my clients.
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:29 PM
We carry a lot from family that came before us, their triumphs and their emotional burdens. I’ve been thinking about family trees lately, and what we can learn from them. Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
There is currently a Netflix series and a new film about wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding schools and the ‘Troubled Teen Industry.’ I’ve worked with dozens of kids who have participated in these programs. Here are my thoughts. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
The Troubled Teen Industry
A Therapist’s Perspective
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:49 PM
There is currently a Netflix series and a new film about wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding schools and the ‘Troubled Teen Industry.’ I’ve worked with dozens of kids who have participated in these programs. Here are my thoughts. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Youve heard about the sandwich generation, tending to both their parents and their children at the same time. But here’s an intro to the triple-decker generation, taking care of themselves as well. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
The triple-decker generation
When you do this job for a while, there are some things that take place that, even after decades, can take you by surprise.
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Youve heard about the sandwich generation, tending to both their parents and their children at the same time. But here’s an intro to the triple-decker generation, taking care of themselves as well. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
I was excited to see a biopic about Springsteen, of course. But this film is bigger, better and more important than just that. It’s a beautiful, quiet piece about depression, healing, hope and the power of male friendships. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Darkness on the Edge
Reflections on ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:54 PM
I was excited to see a biopic about Springsteen, of course. But this film is bigger, better and more important than just that. It’s a beautiful, quiet piece about depression, healing, hope and the power of male friendships. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
In light of the tragedy in Darren Bailey’s family, I’ll be discussing how to talk to young children about losses of family members and people they’re close to on WGN radio 720. Tune in at 7:45 or so.
October 28, 2025 at 12:32 PM
In light of the tragedy in Darren Bailey’s family, I’ll be discussing how to talk to young children about losses of family members and people they’re close to on WGN radio 720. Tune in at 7:45 or so.
Feeling beyond uneasy about the state of the country lately. Thought it was time to share some thoughts. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
I’m uneasy
“We are the same
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Feeling beyond uneasy about the state of the country lately. Thought it was time to share some thoughts. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
This week, I tell a story about a longtime client who struggled with self-esteem years ago until he found his thing, which happened to be running. And we talk about the importance of identitying whatever your thing is, or your child’s. Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Finding your thing
I was going to write this week about this hellhole that is our Chicago, and outlet about the headlines of the day.
open.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:55 PM
This week, I tell a story about a longtime client who struggled with self-esteem years ago until he found his thing, which happened to be running. And we talk about the importance of identitying whatever your thing is, or your child’s. Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
I think its time to take a moment to revisit my first book, talk about why it’s so important that parents be available to their kids, and how to do so in the present day. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Revisiting The Available Parent
“Don’t get me wrong, John.
open.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
I think its time to take a moment to revisit my first book, talk about why it’s so important that parents be available to their kids, and how to do so in the present day. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
A few weeks ago, I posted a Substack about the alarming number of young men already struggling, emotionally and otherwise, in their college semester and now home. Here are some additional thoughts, and what I believe to be the potential solutions. A Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Update: Our boys are still going through it
A month ago, you may recall I wrote a Substack piece about a flurry of young men returning home prematurely from their first semester of college, some of them unpacking their giant Tupperware well bef...
open.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A few weeks ago, I posted a Substack about the alarming number of young men already struggling, emotionally and otherwise, in their college semester and now home. Here are some additional thoughts, and what I believe to be the potential solutions. A Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
I recently finished reading “My Friends” by Fredrick Bachman, a beautiful book anchored by the power of teenage friendship and art. Sharing some of my thoughts here, a badly-needed timeline cleanse. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Reflections on My Friends
“To anyone who is young and wants to create something.
open.substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:54 PM
I recently finished reading “My Friends” by Fredrick Bachman, a beautiful book anchored by the power of teenage friendship and art. Sharing some of my thoughts here, a badly-needed timeline cleanse. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Some teenage boys and young men are experimenting with connecting with one another more frequently and more authentically to stave off loneliness. Sharing some of their efforts here. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Good morning: Connection from the ground up
So, I’m working with this 21-year-old guy, we can call him Kyle and, to say the least, he’s been struggling lately.
open.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Some teenage boys and young men are experimenting with connecting with one another more frequently and more authentically to stave off loneliness. Sharing some of their efforts here. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Some thoughts on my run yesterday, and why we all might need a peaceful, quiet reset right now. A little bonus Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Running away
I went for a run today.
open.substack.com
September 20, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Some thoughts on my run yesterday, and why we all might need a peaceful, quiet reset right now. A little bonus Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Some serious thoughts on why the cancellation of late night talk show hosts might be bad for our kids. A Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
The dark danger of the De-Kimmelization of ABC
Late night TV is dying.
open.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Some serious thoughts on why the cancellation of late night talk show hosts might be bad for our kids. A Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
The last week has been a rough one for many of us, but has proven particularly trying for our boys and young men. And they’ve been struggling in many ways for a while. A letter to all the young dudes. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
To all the young dudes
Hey guys,
open.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM
The last week has been a rough one for many of us, but has proven particularly trying for our boys and young men. And they’ve been struggling in many ways for a while. A letter to all the young dudes. Today’s Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
When tragedy takes place on the national front, as it did more than once yesterday, it has legs well beyond the headlines, chyrons and clickbait. We really can’t keep living like this. A Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
A very bad day in a therapist’s texts
Micro-reflections on a nation in emotional tatters:
open.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 12:52 PM
When tragedy takes place on the national front, as it did more than once yesterday, it has legs well beyond the headlines, chyrons and clickbait. We really can’t keep living like this. A Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Confession: I am not particularly neighborly, and neighborliness matters, urgently, right now. My thoughts on the lost art of neighborliness. Today’s Substack. khttps://open.substack.com/pub/drjohnduffy/p/the-lost-art-of-neighborliness?r=8vhfi&utm_medium=ios open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
The lost art of neighborliness
I have always wanted to have a neighbor
open.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Confession: I am not particularly neighborly, and neighborliness matters, urgently, right now. My thoughts on the lost art of neighborliness. Today’s Substack. khttps://open.substack.com/pub/drjohnduffy/p/the-lost-art-of-neighborliness?r=8vhfi&utm_medium=ios open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
For years, many college-age boys have struggled to regulate, emotionally and otherwise, and end up on my couch before the end of the first semester. But this year, many of them are already over their heads already. Some thoughts on what’s happening and what to do.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
A huge, new wave of college boys are struggling or home already
Why is this happening, and what can we do?
open.substack.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:59 PM
For years, many college-age boys have struggled to regulate, emotionally and otherwise, and end up on my couch before the end of the first semester. But this year, many of them are already over their heads already. Some thoughts on what’s happening and what to do.
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
You’ve likely heard the awful story about the teenage boy who was recently offered a suicide tutorial from an OpenAI ChatBot. Protecting our kids from this material seems like an endless uphill battle. Here are some thoughts on what we can do. Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...
Planning your suicide: An AI user’s guide
TW: Please be aware that some of the following content involves suicide and suicidal ideation.
open.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 12:54 PM
You’ve likely heard the awful story about the teenage boy who was recently offered a suicide tutorial from an OpenAI ChatBot. Protecting our kids from this material seems like an endless uphill battle. Here are some thoughts on what we can do. Today’s Substack. open.substack.com/pub/drjohndu...