Blog for Better Living

Relationships, Roles, and Reality

By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | August 29, 2025

Navigating Life After Baby   This article is the third and final installment 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 physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with matrescence. In the second article, ‘When […]

Read More

Children, Parenting, Perinatal, Relationships

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 […]

Read More

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, […]

Read More

Depression, Perinatal, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

First Day of School: Parent Fantasy vs. Reality

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | August 8, 2025

I’m not quite sure how it’s possible, but the summer is already winding down. In theory, part of me finds the idea of new school supplies and a fresh start appealing. It’s the same part that daydreams about celebrating the kids’ first day back – imagining us sitting around the dinner table, sharing all the […]

Read More

Children, Family, Parenting, Relationships, Teens

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 […]

Read More

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. […]

Read More

Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships

Understanding and Supporting Immigrant Mental Health

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | July 18, 2025

Why It Matters and How to Help   Behind every immigration statistic is a human story – often filled with courage, sacrifice, and silent struggle. While the headlines focus on policy debates and border numbers, the emotional reality of immigration is far more complex. According to the American Immigration Council, about 14.3% of the U.S. […]

Read More

Anxiety, Bullying, Racial Justice, Relationships, Stress, Trauma

When the Usual Sleep Tricks Don’t Work

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | June 27, 2025

Real Help for Insomnia   We’ve all had a sleepless night or two—maybe after a stressful day, too much screen time, or that ill-advised late cup of coffee. It’s easy to say, “I had such bad insomnia last night.” But clinical insomnia goes far beyond the occasional restless night. It’s a diagnosable condition that affects […]

Read More

Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Privacy vs. Secrecy

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | June 13, 2025

Why the Difference Matters More Than You Think   Have you ever felt uneasy about keeping something to yourself – but also uncomfortable with the idea of sharing it? If so, you’re not alone. Privacy and secrecy are often confused, but they’re not the same – and understanding the difference can set the foundation for […]

Read More

Personal Improvement, Relationships