Blog for Better Living
Embracing Imperfection
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | September 13, 2024
Rethinking the Quest for the Perfect Conversation Imagine gliding effortlessly through an anxiety-free conversation where you can clearly and calmly focus on what others are saying and be ready with a perfectly timed funny/empathetic/intelligent response. You feel confident! You look amazing! Sounds great, right…but is it possible? While you might imagine this kind of […]
Read MoreWhy Is Leaving So Hard?
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | July 5, 2024
How To Feel at Peace With Your Decision During a recent chat with a Swiftie about the wisdom in Taylor Swift’s song, “It’s Time To Go,” I started thinking about what it’s like to leave something that no longer serves you. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, a friendship, a job, or something else, I […]
Read MoreSelf-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 […]
Read MoreAnger, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress, Therapy
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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 […]
Read MoreHow to Help a Loved One Through Trauma
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | September 29, 2023
It can be difficult to see your loved one experience the effects of trauma, and it’s not always easy to know how to help. You may struggle to find the right thing to do or say or worry that you’ll say something that might make them feel worse. Know that there is so much you […]
Read MoreA Mom’s Perspective: The Sneaky Month of May
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | June 9, 2023
It was midnight on a dark and almost stormy night. I was sitting on the living room floor when the lights went out. I heard ominous creaking somewhere in the house. My eyes fell on the many pairs of sinister-looking scissors surrounding me, glistening in the moonlight. “How did I get here?” I wondered to […]
Read MoreHow to Get “Unstuck” from Anxiety
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | March 24, 2023
If you struggle with anxiety, you may notice that the harder you try to make it go away, the worse it becomes. If you wake up in the morning checking for signs of anxiety to determine if it will be a “good” or “bad” day, you may be caught in an “all or nothing” anxiety […]
Read MoreWhen an Attitude of Gratitude Hurts
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | December 16, 2022
The holiday season is upon us, and images of seemingly blissful couples and families dressed in cozy winter sweaters are splashed across our media. These happy, “shiny” people are shown enjoying a Thanksgiving feast together, frolicking in leaves, and cuddling by the fireplace. We are encouraged to ‘count our blessings!’ and ‘be grateful’ for what […]
Read MoreHow to Cultivate Self-Compassion
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | September 16, 2022
Experiences such as loss, pain, and disappointment are unavoidable parts of being human. If we want to feel the good stuff in life such as love, connection, and proud moments, then we must also accept the risk of the flip side of these experiences. For example, if you love someone, you are vulnerable to feeling […]
Read MoreAnxiety, Depression, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Relationships