A cause for celebration!
Dr. Barbara Rosenberg, center, with husband Bob and Associate Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman to celebrate the print and online launch of her "Ask Dr. Barb" book on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Temple B’Nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey.
A focus on mental health
Discussing her work as a psychologist and local advice columnist, Dr. Rosenberg noted the importance of checking in with others who may be suffering. "You can't always know the depth of anxiety and depression someone is struggling with." She advised going beyond "therapy speak" for more effective therapeutic conversations. "Let's talk about what it feels like when you're anxious, when you can't concentrate, when you feel 'triggered.' "
On marrying well
Emily Chaleff, one of the author's four granddaughters, discussed how her grandfather Robert Rosenberg would frame "Ask Dr. Barb" advice columns, and over the years assembled them in a prominent staircase gallery at their home. The display of more than 60 columns is not only impressive, but emblematic of the couple's mutual love and support over more than six decades of marriage.
Personal experiences
Dr. Rosenberg was asked to discuss the book's subtitle "About Marrying Well, Overcoming Adversity and Living Strong." The book offers insights into her own long marriage, along with guidance on communication and personal growth for those who hope to "marry well" for enduring, harmonious companionship. Her approach to adversity is personalized in columns written after she learned more than a decade ago that she had breast cancer. Dr. Barb and her husband are cancer survivors.
How therapy can help
Asked what led her to become a psychologist, Dr. Rosenberg recalled her own experience with therapy as a youngster. Her mother withdrew emotionally when she began to lose her hearing at a young age. Dr. Rosenberg has praised her father for realizing that the loss warranted professional help as his daughter approached many adolescent challenges. "Undergoing therapy myself as a teen was life-saving," Dr. Rosenberg said, noting how the help and support she received in therapy was enduring and invaluable.
Supporting mental health
In conversation that covered mental health challenges, Associate Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman noted that clergy can be a source of confidential help. "Your synagogue should be a place where you can talk about difficult things," she noted. "What makes a community a community is that you don't have to struggle alone." To that end, Temple B’Nai Jeshurun also is training a team of congregants for roles described as mental health first responders.
Sweet impression
The cover design of "Ask Dr. Barb" was recreated in glittering sugar with stunning precision by Splurge Bakery In Milburn. Inside, feather-light cake was complemented by the equally wonderful frosting to taste as gorgeous as it looked.
Autographs, please
At her appearance in Short Hills, Dr. Barbara Rosenberg signs copies of her book "Ask Dr. Barb: About Marrying Well, Overcoming Adversity and Living Strong." The book is a compilation of the retired psychologist's advice columns written over a decade. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Blue Dove Foundation's Be Well mental health initiatives.
The beautiful setting
The "Ask Dr. Barb" book launch took place on the campus of Temple B’Nai Jeshurun, which hosts a variety of events for the spiritual, educational and personal growth of its congregants.
There's more to come
A custom-made poster designed for Dr. Barbara Rosenberg's promotional appearances to discuss the mental health -supporting strategies in her recently published book, "Ask Dr. Barb."