Blog for Better Living
How to Help Your Teen Become Their Own Person
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | February 7, 2022
Individuation is a crucial developmental phase that starts in early adolescence. During this time teens and young adults begin to assert their own independent identity and establish a cohesive sense of self. Physician and psychiatrist Margaret Mahler describes this period of development as follows: “The child’s life begins in a symbiotic relationship with their primary caregiver before […]
Read MoreSurviving the Holidays with a Narcissistic Family Member
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 17, 2021
Although the holidays are commonly associated with fun and merriment, for anyone with a narcissistic family member, this time of year can also be stressful and overwhelming. This article will help you better understand your relationship with a narcissistic family member, and how to not only survive – but thrive, this holiday season. What is […]
Read MoreTik Tok and Self-Diagnosing
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | October 1, 2021
The subject of mental health on social media platforms like Tik Tok is gaining a lot of traction with Gen Zers on their quest to better understand themselves. Tik Tok has taken off in popularity and many people are connecting with videos that explore mental health diagnoses and symptoms. Bre-Ann Slay, Psy.D., writing in psychologytoday.com, […]
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Why Should I Meet with My Therapist Face-to-Face?
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | July 9, 2021
As therapists begin offering psychotherapeutic services in person, why would we discontinue teletherapy? A vital resource during the pandemic yields to in-person psychotherapy services offered again now that vaccination rates have increased in our area and safety mandates have been lifted. Articles and studies over the past year showed teletherapy and in-person therapy as equitable […]
Read MoreWhat To Do About Re-Entry Anxiety Post-COVID Vaccination
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | May 7, 2021
Do you rank among the folks who feel anxious meeting people in person again? Are you still skeptical of social groups? Nearly 50% of Americans harbor anxiety while resuming in-person interactions post-pandemic, states a report from the American Psychological Association (APA). Those vaccinated against Covid expressed equal unease at social interactions as those who have not had the vaccinations. […]
Read MoreVaccine 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 […]
Read MoreGender Identity Basics: Understanding Non-Binary, Transgender, and Gender Fluid People
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 4, 2020
Chances are you will encounter someone in your life, if you haven’t already, who identifies as non-binary, transgender, or gender fluid. Knowing what this means, and how to be respectful of people’s differences is important. Understanding these terms can be hard, especially if you are learning these concepts for the first time. This article will […]
Read MoreTeens and COVID-19
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | September 11, 2020
Teens have difficult times during COVID-19. They miss seeing their friends and classmates in person. Socializing with peers is an important part of teen development while COVID-19 creates a social distancing challenge. The big letdown of not attending graduations, proms, sports, or college visits means many teens feel frustrated, depressed, irritable, annoyed, and sad. Healthychildren.org […]
Read MoreAllyship
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | June 19, 2020
Our country is in a state of unrest, as protesters take to the streets in support of racial equality. As we watch events unfolding on the news, we feel anxious, stressed, afraid, and for some…determined: determined to make things better for people of color. Many of us, however, are unsure what to do or where […]
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