Blog
Raising Sons-Is He Bully or Bullied?
When a parent makes the decision it’s time to get a professional opinion; when their son exhibits signs of trouble, it’s critical they be open to the feedback of the professional and keep an open mind!
Let me give an example. (more…)
A Story of Volunteerism
Would you be surprised if I told you a story about seven young men, ages 11-16 working every Saturday in a garden?
Charity Patch is Born
Five years ago, my wife and I set out to “find” an initiative we could get behind that would allow us to give back to the community. Long story short, we started a non-profit called Charity Patch. We grow vegetables and donate them to the local food pantry so that their patrons have access to fresh produce.
It’s hard work but the payoff is huge; when you make a delivery and the families are so excited to see baskets of fresh veggies! (more…)
Dr. Clay on The Tom Roten Morning Show
Can you spare a few minutes to listen to my recent interview with Tom Roten of The Tom Roten Morning Show? I think you’ll find it helpful; we cover many important topics.
What We Talk About
The Quest Project-A Young Man’s Testimony
There is no better compliment or greater satisfaction than receiving a testimonial from one of my clients. Typically I hear from a parent, in this case, it comes from a 16-year-old young man!
Testimonial
“The first time I stepped into Dr. Lessor’s office I had a lot of thoughts on my mind. The relationship between my mom and I has been rocky for a while and I always saw it as normal but, after realizing that it had gotten out of hand, I came to him seeking guidance around our relationship and my anger. I then made the choice to join the Quest Project. The Quest Project really helped me learn to deal with and come to terms with all of my emotions and relationships. Each Monday I was excited to learn about myself and learn ways to relieve my anger, stress, sadness etc. through methods that would greatly benefit me throughout the rest of my life. Dr. Clay was helpful and he opened the doors for me to be able to fix the relationship with my mom, maintain relationships with my friends, make new relationships and become a man I am grateful for the Quest Project, as it helped me in ways I didn’t think were possible for me After the ten week of being in the program I made memories that will last a lifetime and built habits to cope with the stress and anger that come with becoming a man.”
The Quest Project® Manifesto
As a 20+ year retired Captain of the United States Air Force it goes without saying I love my country and am proud to be an American!
Where else do you have the opportunity to be who you want to be, achieve your goals and debate your beliefs through freedom of speech.
My observation, we could use more positive; we should be reminded to respect and be respectful! (more…)
Warning Signs of Opioid Abuse
I’ve written many times about teens addicted to and dying from heroin, smoking pot and drinking. I recently covered the warning signs of suicide. There’s another potential killer you should be aware of, opioid abuse.
I am dedicating this blog to my dear friend who recently lost his 29-year-old son.
Opioids Can Kill
According to the National Center for Health Statistics opioid death rates in teens has climbed 19% in one year.
Be assured, if it’s happening this close to me, it can happen to you. The numbers are staggering. It’s no longer permissible to say, “that only happens to other people.”
In my friend’s case, his son was suffering from a broken bone for which he was prescribed pain killers. Seems innocent enough. In this case it cost him his life.
We’re seeing new legislation that would limit opioid prescriptions for pain. According to Healthline, some drugstore chains, states and health insurers are limiting new opioid prescriptions to a week; hoping it may reduce the potential for addiction. (more…)
Warning Signs of Suicide
It seems a day doesn’t go by without hearing about another suicide on the news, from a friend or a client who’s either dealing with the pain of loss or worse, having suicidal thoughts.
Me Too
As a therapist I help clients deal with the devastating effects of death and the loss that accompanies it on a regular basis. I’m also trained and qualified to help clients who may be dealing with losing someone to suicide or are having suicidal thoughts themselves.
I, like most of you, have been directly affected by suicide and lost someone very close to me. Not only was I shocked and full of sadness, I was angry and raw with emotion. Losing a loved one to suicide can leave you broken. I understand. It’s not fair and it’s at times unexpected. (more…)
To: Dad
To all the fathers out there who are committed to be the best DAD they can be.
When I refer to fathers in my blogs, I also emphasize and stress the importance of being a “responsible, healthy and safe role model.” More and more fathers are asking me “how do I be a good dad?” My answer is simple, I tell them “be present your son needs you!” (more…)
Raising Sons? He Needs A Plan!
When Tom Roten of The Tom Roten Morning Show called to ask if I’d like to come on his show and talk about the 30-year-old man whose parents were imploring the court to help them “boot him” out of the house, I quickly responded ABSOLUTELY!
Though I cover the topic of having “an exit plan” for your son regularly, Tom knows just how important it is. Not only because he has four boys of his own, he is dedicated to improving lives and the work I do in The Quest Project. You can listen to our conversation here. (more…)
Parenting Tips: Schools Out!
Spring and summer are my favorite seasons; the days are longer, and the sun shines brighter! However, I know for many parents this time of year can be chaotic because SCHOOLS OUT! Where’s my son, and what’s he doing!
School’s Out for Summer
So here it is barely Spring time and the kids are getting out of school. What have you planned with your son? Are you going to take a vacation, maybe you planted a garden or have a spring/summer project to do together?
I can already hear many of you saying, “Oh sure, I can’t get the kids to help me with anything!” (more…)
