Blog for Better Living

Fall, a Time to Reflect and Prepare to Grow

By: Other | September 28, 2018

Written by Paul Paris, Ph.D. With autumn on the way, we shift from the hot, longer, leisure days of summer to the cooler, shorter, and sunset quickening days of fall. Leaves turn color and shed, making room for the winter and the renewal of spring. Autumn is the time to attune our attention and energies […]

Personal Improvement

The ‘Nature’ Effect

By: Other | September 21, 2018

Written by Anke Reineke, Ph.D. Is it not natural for humans to spend time in nature? Is it not a vital component of our well-being? I’ve been enjoying the outdoors my whole life. During my childhood, being outdoors was the only place I wanted to be. I spent many hours every day on playgrounds or […]

It’s Okay to Say No

By: Other | August 10, 2018

Written by Joy Francisco, Ph.D. Saying “no” can be difficult for many of us. Why difficult? Because it is often associated with being selfish or rude. To the contrary, saying “no” actually means you know your value and respect yourself enough to stand up for your beliefs. We often feel immense pressure to do things […]

Personal Improvement, Relationships

What’s the Secret of a Successful Career Change?

By: Other | August 3, 2018

Written by Mike Campbell, Ed.D. Career change happens for many different reasons. Your career goals may have changed. Your personal values may have changed. You may have discovered new interests or aspirations that you would like incorporated into your job. You may wish to make more money, have more flexible hours, to name just a […]

Career, Personal Improvement

You Are What You Think

By: Other | July 11, 2018

Written by Haim Shemer, Psy.D. Let’s think about thoughts for a moment. We have heard and seen the phrase “you are what you think” quoted many times in many places. It is one of the most powerful statements that I like to share with others, but with much caution. The phrase is simple. It is […]

Thoughts on Interdependence at Commencement

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | June 22, 2018

It’s graduation season! A graduation ceremony is also known as commencement wherein the completion of something arduous and challenging is recognized while celebrating the beginning of a new journey. I attended a graduation ceremony this weekend and had some nostalgia reflecting back on my own graduation experiences. The excitement, relief, and anticipation of what’s next […]

Coping with Suicide Loss

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | June 15, 2018

Co-authored by Dr. Rochelle Perper and Dr. Francine Martinez “So ask me if I am alright. ‘I’m fine; I’m always fine.’ You see this look in my eyes. ‘No, I’m fine. I am always fine.’ There is a corpse behind my smile. ‘Listen, I am fine. Always, always fine as fine can be.’ ‘Are you […]

Mindfulness…the Loving Kind

By: Other | June 1, 2018

Written by Joy Francisco, Ph.D. What is mindfulness? And why is there a special loving kind of mindfulness? Mindfulness is living in the present moment. Mindfulness can be utilized as a form of self-compassion. And, self-compassion is what you need to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Together they help you to love yourself and […]

Mindfulness, Personal Improvement

~ Present and Pleasant ~

By: Other | May 18, 2018

Written by Jennifer Wendt, Ph.D. Do you find yourself multitasking to get through the day? Is your to-do list longer than you will ever accomplish? Do you frequent your phone to pick up messages, check your calendar, or read something interesting? If you answer yes to any of these, I’ll bet your family and friends […]