Blog for Better Living

Why Is Leaving So Hard?

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | July 5, 2024

How To Feel at Peace With Your Decision   During a recent chat with a Swiftie about the wisdom in Taylor Swift’s song, “It’s Time To Go,” I started thinking about what it’s like to leave something that no longer serves you. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, a friendship, a job, or something else, I […]

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Anxiety, Career, Personal Improvement, Relationships

Do You Shy Away From Your Feelings?

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | June 28, 2024

How To Understand Your Emotional Cues   As a psychologist who treats strong and resilient women, I often hear my clients say that they try their hardest not to cry. They push their feelings away in hopes of avoiding the pain. Emotional repression is a common defense mechanism, especially if you live, or grew up […]

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Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress

Coping With Perfectionism Using RAIN

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | June 21, 2024

As a psychologist, I’ve talked with many clients who are trapped in an endless cycle of not feeling “good enough” because they set excessively high standards for themselves. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with striving for excellence, the tendency to aim for flawlessness negatively impacts a person’s life. This tendency is referred to as […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships

I’m an Accomplice

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | June 7, 2024

Long before I was a psychologist, I was a volunteer and worked with all sorts of queer people. I remember volunteering in Hawaii almost 30 years ago, and one of the local volunteers was a trans woman. She was in the process of transitioning, and to get the “approval” of a psychiatrist to fully transition, […]

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Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ+, Therapy

Getting the Love You Want Workshop: What We Learned as a Couple

By: Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D. | May 31, 2024

My husband, José, and I are completing professional training to facilitate the Imago-based ‘Getting the Love You Want’ Couples Workshop. This educational program is an immersive two-and-a-half-day experience on enhancing communication and building intimacy. We are excited to announce that the first workshop will be offered at Therapy Changes in June 2024! In the lead-up […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships

The Benefits of Working With a Private Practice Therapist

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | May 10, 2024

Mental health has grown as an open topic of conversation since the pandemic, and more people than ever seem to reach out for help. This change catalyzed the startup of large wellness corporations offering “on-demand” therapy, which feel more like tech companies than private mental health care practices. Further examination of the care provided by […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships, Therapy

The Dual Nature of Change: Why It’s Hard Yet Crucial for Growth

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | May 3, 2024

Change is often met with resistance, yet it has an undeniable power to shape and transform our lives. The ability to navigate and embrace change is crucial to foster growth and flexibility in all areas of our lives. In this article, we’ll explore why change is hard, but necessary, and how you can adopt a […]

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Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Stress

How to Reduce Anxiety During Medical Appointments

By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | April 26, 2024

If you worry about meeting with a medical health provider, and find yourself avoiding scheduling medical appointments, you’re not alone. Going to the doctor can be nerve-wracking for everyone, and for some, medical visits can produce overwhelming fear and anxiety. This article provides strategies to help you reduce anxiety before and during a medical appointment […]

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Anxiety, Stress

Balance Parenting Responsibilities: Increase Equity and Decrease Resentment

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | April 12, 2024

Many women in their 30’s grew up observing traditional gender roles, when women primarily managed child-rearing responsibilities and “kept the home,” while men worked outside the home to provide financial stability. Over the years gender roles have changed and women have more opportunities to advance their careers. Despite this significant evolution, women with careers who […]

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Depression, Parenting, Relationships, Stress