Columns

Dear Dr. Jane, I’m a regular reader and really appreciate your advice. I’ve noticed that many people who write in are married or in long-term relationships struggling to communicate about intimacy — and your guidance on talking openly and compassionately really resonates with me. But my situation is a little different. I’m a 42-year-old woman […]

I wrote about this last December, but now that (some) cannabis has actually been rescheduled, from Schedule I to Schedule III, let’s revisit. President Biden started the ball rolling in 2022 and in 2024; the Justice Department formalized the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to III. Last year, President Trump directed the DOJ […]

I’ve been on a love roll… Last month’s Inner Heroes message was entitled “Democracy & Love. ”                                                     A few of my earlier titles were: “Love Your Demons,” “Love Wisdoms from Heaven” and “A Few Random Love Stories.” Another one was “How to Make Love,” not the erotic kind, but the day-to-day kind of love. Let’s all […]

Strolling downtown on Brooks Street, passersby may suddenly get bombarded by a lush garden full of eye popping colors during late spring and summer. On the side of the Commons Cafe & Taproom, a tiny space is filled with many varieties of plants like Rockcress, Allum, Iris and others. The Maltese Cross in full bloom […]

Q: I’m on antidepressants and want to explore psychedelic therapy. What do I need to know about tapering off [Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors] safely, and how long should I wait? A: This is one of the most common and important questions I receive, and I’m glad you’re thinking about safety first. Before I dive in, I […]

Caring for elderly parents who are no longer able to care for themselves is an experience that few are prepared for.  Elderly people who live alone have compounding medical issues, and those suffering from dementia related cognitive decline, present a multifaceted set of concerns.  Adult children and families who are going through this experience with […]

Dear Dr. Jane, My wife and I have been married for almost 25 years. Our youngest is graduating high school in June and heading to the dorms. We love each other very much and have a nice connection, but we’re hoping to spice things up a little. We aren’t into anything like swinging or threesomes. […]

I’m nervous. Although my messages almost always focus on love in one way or another, and love can be one of the touchiest topics we can discuss, this message potentially adds an even touchier topic, politics.  Politics and Love.                                                                                                                                        You’d be nervous, too. To be completely open, politics is not a topic I know much […]

I’m not talking about the nonhuman animate things we name, such as pets, even plants, but rather the inanimate things, like houses, boats, cars or even vacuum cleaners. I grew up in houses named Up Yonder and Verte Feuille, learned to sail in the Me Too. Since moving to Oregon, houses have been christened Dorothy’s, […]

Q: I’ve enjoyed MDMA recreationally several times with friends – the euphoria and deep connection to music, environment, and community feels profound. However, I consistently experience blues and low energy in the days following. Can you help me understand why this happens and how to minimize it? I’m also curious about MDMA’s therapeutic potential – […]