Blog for Better Living
How to Outsmart Procrastination
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | February 18, 2022
We’ve all been there; we have found ourselves facing tasks that we “should do,” maybe even “have to do,” and yet, we struggle to move ourselves toward actually doing these things. Maybe you need to study for a test, complete a work project, or start on your taxes. The scenario plays out the same, you […]
Read MoreNothing to Fear, But Fear Itself
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | December 31, 2021
Understanding and Treating Panic Attacks Have you ever experienced anxiety come on so quickly and with such intensity that you feared you were having a heart attack or that you were going crazy? Maybe your heart was pounding, or you were sweating or shaking. You might have visited the hospital or called your doctor only […]
Read MoreThe Art of Letting Go: Tips for Newly Empty Nesters
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | September 24, 2021
Do you find yourself looking longingly at your child’s baby pictures? Do the ads for “dorm room décor” bring you to the brink of tears? Have you recently helped your high school graduate pack up their belongings? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then you might be a new empty nester. If you are finding it […]
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Flex Your Brain on Vacation
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | July 16, 2021
When you think of summer, do you think of swimming, hiking, road trips, and beach days? Do you think of doing brain exercises to increase your cognitive flexibility? No? Just me? Consider this: Just as physical activity helps our bodies to maintain flexibility and move more efficiently, brain exercises help maintain flexibility in our thinking. […]
Read MoreDispelling the Myths around PTSD
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | April 30, 2021
As a psychologist, I’ve worked with clients having a wide range of traumatic life experiences including PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, particularly the myths about it coming up again and again. Last year brought a host of unique challenges, significant loss, and intensely stressful experiences, not the least of which included a pandemic. You […]
Read MoreProlonged 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 […]
Read MoreThe Impossible Dream: I Just Want to Make Everyone Happy!
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | November 20, 2020
It’s that time of year again wherein we finish off Halloween candy, we take out our sweaters, and we face the inevitable questions about where to celebrate Thanksgiving and the Holidays. These questions challenge us under normal circumstances, but during a pandemic they rise to a whole new level of nerve-wracking. If you find yourself […]
Read MoreJoyful Anticipation
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | September 4, 2020
Think back to pre-COVID-19 and ask yourself: Did you love the excitement of planning trips and finding new places to explore? Did you look forward to eating out with friends? Did you relish a leisurely trip through your favorite store just for fun? Did you look forward to exercise time at the gym? Did you […]
Read MoreSelf-Care for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color & Tips for Allies
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | June 26, 2020
Co-authored by Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. and Estefani Mejia, B.A. “I don’t know what to say” is a common theme in therapy rooms these days as people grapple with issues of injustice in Black communities. To say these times are difficult is an understatement. When asked what we think about recent events and racial issues, we […]
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