Blog for Better Living
When 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 MoreWhy are holidays so hard? A Guide for Coping
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | November 25, 2022
If the holidays don’t feel like the often quoted ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ you aren’t alone in that feeling. At an early age, we learn that the holidays are times for festivity, a time for the entire family to come together in perfect joy. Social media shows idyllic images of beautiful families together, […]
Read MoreMindfulness for Holiday Stress
By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | October 21, 2022
It’s almost holiday season! This statement might elicit excitement, joy, as well as other emotions such as dread, stress, or a combination of these, and other feelings. The holidays raise mixed emotions, and for many of us, stress is an expected component of this time of year. Between holiday travel, possible inclement weather, gift buying, […]
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A Therapist’s Wish for Your 2022!
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | January 7, 2022
A new year brings fresh opportunities and possibilities. It signifies a time of reflection and gratitude for what’s most important in our lives. This is especially true with 2021 in the rearview mirror. Although 2021 started strong with vaccinations bringing the hope of some semblance of normalcy, it was still a tough year! We faced […]
Read MoreThe Season of Gratitude
By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | December 24, 2021
Thank goodness for online shopping. Seriously, how did parents, or really anyone for that matter, get all their holiday shopping done before the internet? Or do life without it? As a new parent, I am so grateful for the conveniences afforded to us through modern technology. Grocery delivery on days I’m too tired to drive […]
Read MoreSurviving the Holidays with a Narcissistic Family Member
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 17, 2021
Although the holidays are commonly associated with fun and merriment, for anyone with a narcissistic family member, this time of year can also be stressful and overwhelming. This article will help you better understand your relationship with a narcissistic family member, and how to not only survive – but thrive, this holiday season. What is […]
Read MoreSurviving This Holiday Season
By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | November 5, 2021
The end-of-the-year holidays are meant to be a time of joy and togetherness. For some of us, it may be the first time seeing extended family and celebrating the holidays with others since the coronavirus pandemic. During this time popular movies, ads, and TV shows depict the holidays as a magical time where friends and […]
Read MoreGrieving the Loss of the Holidays: Managing Expectations During COVID-19
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 18, 2020
As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country, for most of us the holiday season will look different this year. The safest way to celebrate is at home with the people you live with. This means foregoing the parties, visits with family and friends, and participating in community activities and celebrations. We face the […]
Read MoreThe Impossible Dream: I Just Want to Make Everyone Happy!
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | November 20, 2020
It’s that time of year again wherein we finish off Halloween candy, we take out our sweaters, and we face the inevitable questions about where to celebrate Thanksgiving and the Holidays. These questions challenge us under normal circumstances, but during a pandemic they rise to a whole new level of nerve-wracking. If you find yourself […]
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