Blog for Better Living

Non-Psychological Factors Contributing to Anxiety: It’s Not All in Your Head

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | October 25, 2024

Anxiety is commonly associated with psychological triggers like stress, trauma, or major life changes. However, many people experience anxiety that arises from underlying physical and environmental factors that frequently go unnoticed. The body and mind are closely interconnected, and disturbances in physical health can appear as emotional and cognitive symptoms. If you are struggling with […]

Understanding Religious Trauma and Its Effects

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | September 6, 2024

Trauma refers to the profound emotional and psychological impact that occurs when an individual’s sense of safety is compromised and their ability to cope is overwhelmed. Such experiences often shatter a person’s sense of security, which can have lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Trauma can arise from a wide array of experiences and is […]

The Power of Validation

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 9, 2024

We all want to feel heard, accepted, valued, and even loved. When we validate someone, we are essentially giving them this experience. Life can be confusing and difficult for all of us, but when we are genuinely validated, we feel acknowledged and reassured that we are not alone. Life seems more manageable, and we become […]

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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 […]

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 […]

Coping with Betrayal Trauma

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | October 27, 2023

Betrayal is a deeply painful and disorienting experience. When you experience betrayal, it can feel like your whole world dropped from underneath you, which undermines your sense of trust, safety, and self-worth. As a psychologist who specializes in trauma and who works with women in the perinatal phase, I am acutely aware that marital satisfaction […]

How 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 […]

Anger, Relationships, Trauma

Therapy Changes Welcomes Dr. Shanni Tal

By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | September 22, 2023

I am very excited to join the Therapy Changes team and work alongside such caring, thoughtful, and professional therapists! I place a high value on creating meaningful connections, which has guided my journey to become a psychologist. My passion to help others learn more about themselves, cultivate tools to navigate life’s most difficult transitions, and […]

Understanding Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Therapy That Works!

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

“Change your thoughts, and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy? Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is recognized as one of the most effective and popular forms of psychotherapy. More than 2,000 studies have examined the efficacy of CBT to treat a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress […]

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