Blog for Better Living

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 […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships

How To Manage Back-to-the-Office Anxiety

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | June 6, 2025

It’s happened – the dreaded call back to the office has arrived. ☹ If the thought of trading your cozy pajama pants and comfortable home setup for fluorescent lights and shared coffee machines fills you with feelings of anxiety, panic, and dread, you’re not alone. Take a deep breath (seriously…take one now) – it might […]

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Anxiety, Career, Relationships, Therapy

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

What Women Really Want

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | April 4, 2025

The 6th Love Language of Attunement   We often discuss the five love languages – words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch. But there’s an unspoken sixth love language that many women crave: attunement. It’s the emotional labor of noticing, anticipating, and responding to a partner’s needs without being asked. […]

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Parenting, Perinatal, Relationships, Stress

Get Up, Get Moving, Feel Better

By: Demet Çek, Ph.D. | March 28, 2025

The Power of Behavioral Activation   Do you feel stuck in a cycle of low energy, lost motivation, and diminished joy? Depression, loneliness, and midlife malaise can leave you feeling exhausted and indifferent, causing you to withdraw from activities and isolate from others, which only deepens the cycle and makes everything harder. To break this […]

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Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships