Choosing a TherapistHelping Teens SucceedInside the Therapy ProcessTherapy 101Unlocking Potential

This One Thing Can Make or Break Your Therapy

Dr. Lynn Margolies
by Dr. Lynn Margolies
Why don’t some people make progress in therapy? Find out the most common reasons why.
Psychology Today [View Article]
A male therapist listens as a teenage boy sits with his head in his hands, expressing distress in a cozy room.
Dr. Lynn Margolies

by Dr. Lynn Margolies

Dr. Lynn Margolies is a Ph.D. licensed experienced psychologist. She was trained at McLean Hospital, a Harvard teaching hospital, and was a Harvard Medical School Instructor and Fellow. Read Bio

Similar Topics

Choosing a TherapistHelping Teens SucceedInside the Therapy ProcessTherapy 101Unlocking Potential

See Related Articles

A frustrated young woman gestures while a man raises his hand, blocking her. Tension is evident between them. Academic Pressure & PerfectionismAffairs & FantasyApproaching Difficult TopicsAssertiveness & BoundariesBoundariesBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsClear Thinking & Decision MakingConnecting with TeensDifficult ConversationsDisguised (& Overt) HostilityDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesDreaded ConversationsEmotional Contagion in FamiliesFamily IssuesFollowing Your ValuesGetting Teens to Talk (and Listen)Guilt & Anxiety in ParentsHelping Teens Do WellHelping Teens SucceedHolding on & Letting GoInfidelity & AffairsInfluencing People ConstructivelyInterpersonal BoundariesLaunching Your College Age (or Failure to Launch) ChildLeading A Double LifeLimits & BoundariesMarital & In-law IssuesMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressParenting ChallengesParenting in DivorcePopular Psychology TopicsPositive Influences on PerformanceProactive VS Reactive ParentingPsychologically SpeakingRebellion & DefianceRejection Sensitivity in ParentsRelationship DynamicsRelationship IssuesRepairing Broken RelationshipsRewiring Your HabitsSetting Limits With Manipulative PeopleShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorTeens & Young AdultsTemptation, Fantasy, & SecretsThe Art of PersuasionThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Teenage MindsetUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) RevealWhen Parents Split UpWomen & TraumaWomen’s Issues The Hidden Dynamics of Defiance and How to Disarm It

The Hidden Dynamics of Defiance and How to Disarm It

How to avoid psychological traps with people who repeat the same solvable issue.
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesJuly 15, 2026
Anger & StressBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsClear Thinking & Decision MakingDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesFollowing Your ValuesHidden Culprits of Failed ProgressInfluencing People ConstructivelyMen’s IssuesMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressOvercoming Shame & GuiltPopular Psychology TopicsPositive Influences on PerformanceRebellion & DefianceRewiring Your HabitsSelf-Defeating PatternsShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Male MindUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) Reveal When Does Repentance Fail to Lead to Improved Behavior?

When Does Repentance Fail to Lead to Improved Behavior?

Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: The Raw Power of Repentance (French,…
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 28, 2026
Assertiveness & BoundariesClear Thinking & Decision MakingCultivating Women’s StrengthsDifficult ConversationsDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesEarning RespectFinding your VoiceFollowing Your ValuesHidden Culprits of Failed ProgressInfluencing People ConstructivelyInterpersonal BoundariesMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressMoving Beyond Self-SubordinationPopular Psychology TopicsThe Art of PersuasionThe Cost of Being Overly AccommodatingThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Problem With AppeasementUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) RevealWomen’s Issues Being An Actual Imposter is Now More Popular Than Imposter Syndrome

Being An Actual Imposter is Now More Popular Than Imposter Syndrome

Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: It's the Era of Swagger Without…
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 13, 2026