Blog for Better Living

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Why Values Matter

By: Sheila Allameh, Psy.D. | December 15, 2023

What do you value? While it may appear to be a simple question, the answer is often met with a look of confusion followed by the reply, “I haven’t thought about that before.” If you have difficulty identifying your values, you’re not alone. This article will help you begin the journey of discovering your values […]

Signs of a Trauma Bond

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 8, 2023

Do you wonder why you stay with someone who doesn’t treat you well? Have you asked yourself why you stay in painful relationships? Understanding the nature of the trauma bond might help you understand yourself and answer these questions. What is the Trauma Bond? Trauma bonding is an entanglement that keeps a person in a […]

When It’s More Than Just ‘Being Shy’: Understanding Social Anxiety

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | December 1, 2023

Social anxiety touched my life at a young age. I remember feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed when I was five years old during a show-and-tell presentation. I remember second-guessing myself and not raising my hand in class, even when I knew I had the right answer. And I remember how it felt to be “too shy” […]

A Psychologist’s Guide to Stress-Free Celebrations

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | November 17, 2023

How to Honor Your Values and Boundaries this Holiday Season The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of activities, social gatherings, and family events. While it can be a joyous time, it can also be overwhelming, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety. As a psychologist who practices from an action-oriented, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, […]

How to Cope with Gender Disappointment

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | November 10, 2023

If you are an expectant parent, you’ve undoubtedly been asked: “Do you want a boy or a girl?” All expectant parents have their own ideas and expectations about the biological sex of their future child and create fantasies around what an ideal family looks like. The anticipation of a child’s gender can lead to a […]

The Power of Saying No

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | November 3, 2023

Are you a people-pleaser? Do you find it challenging to set boundaries and often spread yourself too thin? Saying ‘no’ is a real struggle for many of us, especially if you tend to prioritize others over yourself. Learning to set boundaries is a crucial skill and plays a vital role in helping you create the […]

Coping with Betrayal Trauma

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | October 27, 2023

Betrayal is a deeply painful and disorienting experience. When you experience betrayal, it can feel like your whole world dropped from underneath you, which undermines your sense of trust, safety, and self-worth. As a psychologist who specializes in trauma and who works with women in the perinatal phase, I am acutely aware that marital satisfaction […]

The Absolutely Essential Nature of Conflict in Romantic Relationships

By: Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D. | October 20, 2023

Many of us believe that “good relationships” don’t have conflict. Contrary to this commonly held belief, conflict is absolutely essential in romantic relationships! Conflict in a relationship doesn’t imply failure or dysfunction, but rather signifies the depth and authenticity of the connection. In this article, I explain the important role that conflict serves in romantic […]

Anger, Relationships

Unmasking Loneliness: How Understanding Its Source Can Lead To Healing

By: Demet Çek, Ph.D. | October 6, 2023

If you feel lonely, you are not alone. It’s ironic and it’s true. Rates of loneliness are increasing in many parts of the world. We are “connected” digitally but not as available to each other otherwise. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s 2023 report entitled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” highlights the extent to […]

How to Help a Loved One Through Trauma

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | September 29, 2023

It can be difficult to see your loved one experience the effects of trauma, and it’s not always easy to know how to help. You may struggle to find the right thing to do or say or worry that you’ll say something that might make them feel worse. Know that there is so much you […]

Anger, Relationships, Trauma