Personifying a Life of Purpose: Author and Psychotherapist Dr. Edward Dreyfus Shares Lessons on Achieving Full Potential and Maintaining Youthful, Positive Outlook

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- At 77 years of age, Dr. Edward Dreyfus remains in the prime of his life – thanks largely to his positive attitude and willingness to embrace change. A practicing clinical psychologist, Dreyfus has adapted many of the lessons learned during psychotherapy sessions into readable and relatable works of fiction and nonfiction, not to mention applied those same lessons to his own approach to living a meaningful life.

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Dreyfus has so far written five nonfiction books and three works of fiction, including "Buddies" and "Mickey and the Plow Horse" and "The Midnight Shrink" (to be released later this year); while the nonfiction covers academic, psychological topics, the novels tell compelling stories that convey a psychologically relevant message. All of his books are written for general audiences.

"I write fiction with entertainment in mind, of course," commented Dreyfus, "but I also want to offer practical, actionable guidance toward living a better life and escaping the stress/collapse cycle of the proverbial rat race. When we take better care of ourselves, we then take better care of each other and the world around us."

For Dreyfus, the concepts of change and flexibility have been important parts of both his psychotherapy practice his own daily life. "So many people fear change. They only barely tolerate change when it's forced upon them. I believe everyone could benefit from have a more optimistic view of change. Instead of letting life just 'happen,' I encourage people to participate more fully in their own lives and seize opportunities to try new things, cultivate hobbies and even take the occasional risk – that's how personal growth happens, not by standing pat and waiting for instructions."

He added: "Hobbies, in my experience, are what keep the mind engaged and malleable, regardless of age or physical condition. Hobbies provide purpose, and they're fulfilling precisely because they're not goal-oriented in the sense of a career. They offer pure, unadulterated enjoyment for its own sake."

As one who most certainly practices what he preaches, Dreyfus has filled his retirement years with vigorous activity. In addition to being a published author, he's now putting the finishing touches on a fourth screenplay. Dreyfus is also a proficient in several martial arts and enjoys photography, woodworking and cooking – all part of staying young at heart (and mind).

About the Author

Dr. Edward Dreyfus is a psychologist who specializes in individual psychotherapy, relationship counseling, sex therapy, substance abuse treatment, life coaching and divorce counseling. Dr. Dreyfus serves the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills. He is an educator as well as a psychotherapist, teaching about psychology and psychological issues, as well as being the author of five important books in the psychology field and two novels with a third to be published later this year.

Contact:

Edward A. Dreyfus, Ph.D. 
1421 Santa Monica Boulevard, 
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Office: (310) 208-5700
Email

SOURCE Dr. Edward Dreyfus