Blog for Better Living

What Do Dreams Mean?

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | April 17, 2013

Have you ever had a dream so vivid and realistic that you had the sense that it had actually happened? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then you are not alone. For some, dreams can be so powerful that they find themselves thinking of the dream for days, or even weeks at a time. New research […]

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Sleep/Relaxation

Child Concepts of Death

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | March 20, 2013

The loss of a loved through death one can be an extraordinarily difficult time for everyone in the family. For children, this can also be a time of confusion and fear. Depending on a child’s age, he or she may not fully understand the concept of death and not yet realize that death is permanent. […]

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Children, Grief

Making Goodbyes Easier: A Parent’s Guide to Managing Separation Anxiety in Children

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | March 14, 2013

On Tuesday, March 19, Dr. Rochelle Perper was featured on the FOX5 San Diego morning segment entitled “ The Mommy and Daddy Handbook” to discuss separation anxiety in young children. You can see the video here. In tandem with the segment, Therapy Changes has released A Parent’s Guide to Managing Separation Anxiety in Children. Tearful, […]

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Children

What To Say When Words Are Never Enough: Comforting Others in Grief

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | March 7, 2013

When someone close to you experiences a loss or tragedy, words are never enough. As a caring friend you may find yourself at a loss of what to do or say in the face of a loved one’s grief. During these times it is helpful to know that there is nothing that you can “do” […]

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Grief

Getting the Most Out of Therapy

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 27, 2013

You should be discriminating when choosing a professional to help you through the most trying times in your life. In fact, research shows that the most significant factor contributing to successful outcome in therapy is the quality of the therapeutic relationship (Lambert, 2001). A common misconception is that it is not okay to speak up […]

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Therapy

What to Expect When Facing Divorce: A Family Perspective

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 19, 2013

Divorce is a life changing event and typically a painful process for all concerned. Families experiencing divorce are in a process of transitioning to a new family structure. The impact upon the child and family during this time is profound and requires care and attention. Therapy can be helpful during this time to mobilize a […]

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Children, Relationships

Tips to Manage Your Stress

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 14, 2013

We live in stressful times. Merely turning on the news or talking with friends can bring on new concerns. Personal issues, too, can create stress about your health, your job, financial security, as well as relationships with family and friends. Even everyday annoyances, such as getting stuck in traffic, dealing with a computer problems, or […]

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Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Coping with Grief and Loss

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 8, 2013

Grief is a profound and universal experience. It is a journey where we remember our loved ones who have died and adjust to a life without them. During this process we have the potential to learn more about ourselves and work towards rebuilding meaning and purpose in our lives. When coping with a death of […]

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Grief

Parenting Approaches to Foster Children’s Self-Esteem

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | January 30, 2013

Healthy self-esteem is like a child’s armor against the challenges of the world. Kids who feel generally good about themselves seem to have an easier time managing conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more and have more friends. These kids are realistic and generally optimistic. In contrast, kids with low self-esteem often […]

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Children