Blog for Better Living

Avoiding Avoidance to Manage Anxiety

By: Other | December 7, 2018

Written by Haim Shemer, Psy.D. What is anxiety? It’s one of the most distressing emotions that people can experience! If you have ever felt anxious, you may be among the estimated 40 million adults affected by anxiety disorder in the U.S. It is the most common of mental illnesses. People who suffer from anxiety disorders […]

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Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Therapy

Are You Coping with SAD?

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | November 9, 2018

I always feel better when I’ve had some time outside in the sun. The sensation of sun on my skin makes me feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. What about you? People by the millions travel every year to sunny beaches for vacations so they can soak up some sunshine. Even in sunny places such as […]

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Depression, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation, Therapy

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 […]

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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 […]

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Anxiety, Children, Parenting, Personal Improvement, Stress

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Anxiety, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement

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 […]

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Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Relationships

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 […]

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Depression, Grief, Personal Improvement, Relationships