Blog for Better Living

A Therapist’s Wish for 2026

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 31, 2025

For many of us, this year has been marked not only by personal challenges, but by collective ones as well. As both a psychologist and a person living through this same moment in time, I find myself reflecting on what actually helped me navigate the year, not perfectly, but honestly, when things felt heavy, uncertain, […]

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Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Relationships

Got Road Rage?

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | December 12, 2025

How to Deal With Mr. Toad on the Road   Simple Tips for a Calmer Commute We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly out of nowhere, a car does something unexpected and your whole body reacts before your mind can catch up. Maybe a few choice words slip out, […]

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Anger, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress

Finding Peace Through Uncertainty

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | December 5, 2025

ACT Tools to Help You Cope With Change   Disruptions are an inevitable part of being human. An unexpected job loss, the sudden end of a relationship, or a rocky transition into parenthood can turn life upside down in a moment. These moments can feel jarring, even destabilizing, yet they can also offer powerful invitations […]

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Anxiety, Career, Perinatal, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress

How to Care for Yourself When You’re Part of the Sandwich Generation

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | October 24, 2025

In your 20s, life often feels full of adventure and discovery. By your 30s, 40s, and 50s, however, the rhythm shifts. Life becomes busier, more demanding, and sometimes overwhelming. Many adults in this stage find themselves simultaneously raising children while also caring for aging parents. This is the reality of the “Sandwich Generation.” Supporting multiple […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Family, Parenting, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Own Your Weird: It’s not an Insult – It’s a Superpower!

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | September 26, 2025

Weirdo. Freak. Special. Oddball. Unconventional. Strange. Offbeat. Have you ever been called any of these? Many of us have – maybe growing up, or maybe just last week. Maybe you even use some of these terms to describe yourself. Or perhaps your child has been labeled this way. These words aren’t often meant kindly, and […]

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Anxiety, Bullying, Depression, LGBTQ+, Relationships

Relationships, Roles, and Reality

By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | August 29, 2025

Navigating Life After Baby   This article is the third and final installment in our three-part series on maternal mental health. In the first article, ‘Who Am I Now?‘, we explored the emotional identity shift of new motherhood and the profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with matrescence. In the second article, ‘When […]

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Children, Parenting, Perinatal, Relationships

First Day of School: Parent Fantasy vs. Reality

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | August 8, 2025

I’m not quite sure how it’s possible, but the summer is already winding down. In theory, part of me finds the idea of new school supplies and a fresh start appealing. It’s the same part that daydreams about celebrating the kids’ first day back – imagining us sitting around the dinner table, sharing all the […]

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Children, Family, Parenting, Relationships, Teens

Healthy Coping Skills for Dealing with Challenging Times

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 1, 2025

Lately, it seems like we’re all carrying a bit more than usual – and it can feel heavy. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself feeling overwhelmed, and at times, it can feel helpless. Or, you may be navigating a life transition or change, grieving the loss of a loved one, managing relationship […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress, Trauma

The Physical, Psychological and Relational Benefits of Prayer

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | July 25, 2025

Prayer has long been a core spiritual practice, and growing research in neuroscience and psychology suggests it may also be a powerful tool for mental, emotional, and even physical health. While science is still uncovering the full mechanisms behind prayer’s effects, the evidence suggests it can help reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional resilience. […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships