Blog for Better Living

When Joy and Grief Coexist

By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | August 22, 2025

Making Space for the Complex Emotions of Parenthood   This article is the second in our three-part series on maternal mental health. In the first article, ‘Who Am I Now?’, we explored the emotional identity shift of new motherhood and the profound changes – physical, emotional, and psychological, that accompany matrescence. Here, we’ll explore the […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Parenting, Perinatal

“Who Am I Now?”

By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | August 15, 2025

Understanding the Emotional Identity Shift of New Motherhood   Becoming a mother is one of the most profound and life altering transitions a person can go through – yet so few talk about how deeply it reshapes our sense of self. And while there’s a lot of focus on the baby – feeding, sleeping schedules, […]

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Depression, Perinatal, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Healthy Coping Skills for Dealing with Challenging Times

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 1, 2025

Lately, it seems like we’re all carrying a bit more than usual – and it can feel heavy. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself feeling overwhelmed, and at times, it can feel helpless. Or, you may be navigating a life transition or change, grieving the loss of a loved one, managing relationship […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress, Trauma

The Physical, Psychological and Relational Benefits of Prayer

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | July 25, 2025

Prayer has long been a core spiritual practice, and growing research in neuroscience and psychology suggests it may also be a powerful tool for mental, emotional, and even physical health. While science is still uncovering the full mechanisms behind prayer’s effects, the evidence suggests it can help reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional resilience. […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships

The Path to Deeper Connection

By: Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D. | June 3, 2025

How Imago Workshops Transform Relationships   Imagine sitting across from your partner and truly feeling heard – maybe for the first time in years. That’s the type of magic many couples experience in Imago educational workshops like Getting the Love You Want. These weekend workshops aren’t just about fixing problems; they’re about rediscovering the connection, […]

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Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Relationships, Stress, Trauma

Transcending Borders: Why Immigrant Mental Health Matters

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | May 23, 2025

Immigration is more than a political issue – for those who leave their homes behind, it is a deeply personal journey marked by a profound emotional weight. While the topic is often discussed in terms of laws, borders, and statistics, it’s rarely viewed through the lens of mental health. For millions of immigrants, crossing into […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Racial Justice, Relationships, Stress, Trauma

Burnout: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Overcome It

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | May 16, 2025

You’re tired – but not just physically. You feel drained, detached, and like you’re running on fumes. In today’s fast-paced, always “on” world, this state of exhaustion has a name: burnout. Whether it’s feeling overwhelmed at work, stressed with personal responsibilities, burdened with the mental load of caregiving, or struggling to find a balance in […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

The Psychology Behind Pelvic Pain

By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | April 18, 2025

The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in many pain-related conditions, such as headaches, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal discomfort. This is especially true for pain related to women’s sexual and reproductive health. For some women, sex, gynecological exams, and tampon insertion can cause anxiety and physical pain. The sensations associated with these events are involuntary […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Perinatal, Relationships

How to Cope with DEI Funding Cuts

By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | April 11, 2025

Almost four years ago, I wrote an article titled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Basics, addressing the relevant and meaningful topic of DEI following the protests sparked by the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. While the conversation about systemic racism was crucial at the time, it remains just as relevant […]

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Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Racial Justice, Trauma