Blog for Better Living

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Therapy Changes Welcomes Dr. Stephanie Salo

By: Other | April 16, 2021

Written by Stephanie Salo, Psy.D. Are you one of those folks who “fake it ‘til you make it” as if gritting your teeth and forcing a smile is the formula to get through the toughest times? While faking anything might work temporarily, increasing awareness of your emotions and learning to use them along with your […]

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Anxiety, Grief, Introduction, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Therapy

Supporting a Friend Through Significant Loss

By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | April 9, 2021

The loss of a loved one is the most difficult life experience for many. A significant loss, such as a parent, a child, or partner, can be devastating. Losses that happen abruptly or prematurely can be even more devastating. A person grieving such losses may have difficulty coping with complicated emotions such as anger, sadness, […]

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Grief, Relationships

De-Stigmatizing Mental Health and Access to Care in Communities of Color

By: Other | March 26, 2021

Written by Kimberly Nenemay, Psy.D. A year ago, our lives changed in dramatic ways. Not only did the U.S. make the official announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery were tragically killed, igniting protests for equal rights and against systemic oppression and racism.[1,2,3] While the protests have died down, and […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Racial Justice, Therapy, Trauma

Creative Coping and Tools for the Blues

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | March 12, 2021

The past year imposed an incredibly challenging time in our lives, in the nation’s history and the world. We can wrestle with our struggles, or we can accept them. ⁠By accepting them, we can direct our attention away from the problem toward a way to cope. Of course, difficult times can stretch our normal coping […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement

Vaccine Hesitancy: To Have or To Hold on the COVID-19 Shots

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | March 5, 2021

After nearly a year of quarantine, COVID-19 vaccines are now available, representing hope for many while leaving lots of folks feeling hesitant and reluctant about receiving them. I was one of those folks. Over the past year, however, I followed the science and reviewed the data, which over time alleviated my doubts. By the time […]

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Anxiety

Prolonged Exposure as a Treatment Option for PTSD

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | February 19, 2021

Have you suffered exposure to death or threats of death, sexual violence or serious physical injury? Do you have nightmares or intrusive memories of some past traumatic event? Do you feel irritable, emotionally numb, or on edge? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Do I need trauma-focused treatment? PTSD […]

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Relationships, Therapy, Trauma

Embracing Fear and Vulnerability as Opportunities of a Lifetime

By: Lisa Card Strong, Ph.D. | February 12, 2021

We live in extraordinarily strange times. Thriving does not come to mind by merely surviving. Restructuring does that better. I’ve noticed increased stress levels and more strain on most of us as the pandemic wears on nearly a year now. Boredom exists, although I detect fear more frequently. Fear can grip the important questions of […]

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Grief, Personal Improvement, Stress

Who Takes Care of Mama?

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | February 5, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have made every transition and challenge much harder. Becoming a new parent is no exception. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) impacted 15-20% of moms before the pandemic. Now in its midst, experts estimate the rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as much higher while bringing more social isolation […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Family, Parenting

It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | January 29, 2021

More than ten months have passed since the first stay-at-home orders in March 2020. I still have days when my anxiety feels overwhelming, when fear makes me irritable and easily upset, when fatigue overcomes me, and when I struggle to find beauty in the world. I sometimes wonder “What’s wrong with me that I can’t […]

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Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Stress

From Resolution to Results: Your 2021 Fitness Goals

By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | January 22, 2021

It’s that time of year again when the holidays have concluded, New Year’s excitement has worn off, and we face our New Year’s resolutions, the most common one is resolving to exercise more regularly. While you might still be on track with your goal now, you may struggle with having the same energy levels you […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships