Blog for Better Living

Self-Soothe Using Your 5 Senses

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | March 15, 2024

Have you ever felt SO mad, sad, or frustrated that you don’t know what to do with yourself? In these moments, what tools and coping skills do you have to manage your emotions effectively? Do you use alcohol or other substances to calm or numb yourself? Do you lash out at loved ones or pick […]

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Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress, Therapy

Should My Elder Parent and I Live Together?

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | March 8, 2024

When it becomes clear that one or both of your elderly parents needs an increasing amount of assistance, many adult children find themselves weighing the pros and cons of living with their aging parents. Before you decide to move in with your elderly parents, or move your elderly parents into your home, there are several […]

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Family, Relationships, Stress

How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | February 23, 2024

If you find yourself losing momentum on your New Year’s resolutions, you’re not alone. This is a common phenomenon; studies estimate that 80-90% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned before the end of the year, and often by the end of January! This experience can be disheartening, to say the least. As a psychologist who […]

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Holidays, Personal Improvement, Stress

Overcome Impostor Syndrome and Heal Your Inner Critic!

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | February 2, 2024

Impostor Syndrome is a persistent feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt. If you suffer from impostor syndrome you feel anxious, insecure, and consistently worry. You feel like a fraud and believe that you don’t deserve to be where you are. You might attribute your success and accomplishments to luck or circumstance, rather than the result of […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement

Food and Your Mood: How Food Affects Mental Health

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | January 19, 2024

The prevalence of mental health conditions is on the rise, and as a society it is crucial that we seriously examine and address the factors that contribute to these issues, both for ourselves and for younger generations. One area that deserves attention is our typical Western modern diet, specifically the over-consumption of ultra-processed food. In […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation

A Therapist’s Wish for 2024

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 29, 2023

The new year signifies a time of reflection and gratitude. This especially reigns true this year, as COVID’s grip on us lessened. The national public health emergency officially ended on May 11, 2023. It’s hard to believe that only a short time ago the world opened up and things seem to operate in their pre-pandemic […]

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Holidays, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Relationships

Managing the Holidays with PTSD

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | December 22, 2023

If you are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and feeling anxious about the upcoming holidays, you are not alone. Large gatherings of loved ones, crowded stores, and big, bustling events with loud sounds can be overstimulating. This, combined with the added pressure around the holidays to join in and enjoy the festivities […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Holidays, Stress, Trauma

Why Values Matter

By: Sheila Allameh, Psy.D. | December 15, 2023

What do you value? While it may appear to be a simple question, the answer is often met with a look of confusion followed by the reply, “I haven’t thought about that before.” If you have difficulty identifying your values, you’re not alone. This article will help you begin the journey of discovering your values […]

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Family, Personal Improvement, Relationships

Signs of a Trauma Bond

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 8, 2023

Do you wonder why you stay with someone who doesn’t treat you well? Have you asked yourself why you stay in painful relationships? Understanding the nature of the trauma bond might help you understand yourself and answer these questions. What is the Trauma Bond? Trauma bonding is an entanglement that keeps a person in a […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Trauma