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 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 […]
Read MorePreparing for Parenthood: Myths vs. Reality
By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | May 25, 2021
Parents-to-be often hear that becoming a parent is “the most wonderful and rewarding experience.” While possibly true, parenthood can also present challenges unlike any you may have experienced previously. If we put parenthood on a pedestal, we may find ourselves subscribing to unrealistic expectations that are impossible to fulfill. Dispelling myths that exist around parenthood […]
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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 […]
Read MoreTherapy Changes Welcomes Dr. Kristen Lipari
By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | September 18, 2020
I am thrilled to join the Therapy Changes family and look forward to serving our diverse and resilient clients. I understand that in your own family you might have received the message that therapy signals weakness, especially for those who really struggle. I received similar messages growing up as an Armenian American ethnic minority. However, […]
Read MoreIntroduction, Parenting, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress, Therapy, Trauma
Teens 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 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 MoreGot Scaredy Cat Kids?
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | January 24, 2020
When our kids feel anxious or scared, any parent would want to jump in and save them from emotional discomfort. In our busy lives, we tend to jump in too soon or brush concerns aside with a quick “there’s nothing to worry about.” Whether you tend to jump in as a swooper or dismiss as […]
Read MoreWhat it Means to be a Highly Sensitive Person
By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | January 29, 2019
You probably know what it means to be an introvert versus an extrovert. Such psychological terms are now mainstream. They help us understand and empathize with one another’s differences. Few people, however, know what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) versus a non-HSP. Psychologist, Dr. Elaine Aron, wanted to better understand herself […]
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