Blog for Better Living
How to Make Decisions with Confidence
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | January 9, 2026
Every day, we make countless decisions. Some are automatic, like what to eat for breakfast, and others are more complex like career changes, relationship choices, or how to respond in a moment of crisis. Some people carefully weigh the pros and cons, while others rely on intuition or even the flip of a coin. No […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Privacy vs. Secrecy
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | June 13, 2025
Why the Difference Matters More Than You Think Have you ever felt uneasy about keeping something to yourself – but also uncomfortable with the idea of sharing it? If so, you’re not alone. Privacy and secrecy are often confused, but they’re not the same – and understanding the difference can set the foundation for […]
Read MoreGet our latest articles sent directly to your inbox!
Am I a People Pleaser or Just a Nice Person?
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | March 7, 2025
Have you ever found yourself agreeing to something you didn’t want to do, just to avoid disappointing someone, and then wondered – am I a people pleaser or just a nice person? The truth is the distinction between being a people pleaser and simply being kind can be more nuanced than you might think. People […]
Read More
Thought Crimes: Why Your Thoughts Don’t Define You
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 6, 2024
Have you even beaten yourself up, judged yourself, or felt ashamed for having a thought that might upset others if you shared it with them? Does thinking poorly about someone make you a bad person? Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung was among the first to grapple with these concepts, which are referred to as “thought crimes.” […]
Read More
Understanding Religious Trauma and Its Effects
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | September 6, 2024
Trauma refers to the profound emotional and psychological impact that occurs when an individual’s sense of safety is compromised and their ability to cope is overwhelmed. Such experiences often shatter a person’s sense of security, which can have lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Trauma can arise from a wide array of experiences and is […]
Read More
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, […]
Read More
Should My Elder Parent and I Live Together?
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | March 8, 2024
When it becomes clear that one or both of your elderly parents needs an increasing amount of assistance, many adult children find themselves weighing the pros and cons of living with their aging parents. Before you decide to move in with your elderly parents, or move your elderly parents into your home, there are several […]
Read More
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 […]
Read MoreLearn More
Contact Us
When choosing a psychologist, you need to find someone who you can trust with your most personal concerns. We are here to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that we are the right match for you. To get in touch, visit our Contact page, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
Phone: (619) 275-2286
Fax: (619) 955-5696
Email: info@therapychanges.com
Find relief when you feel overwhelmed or helpless.
It’s our mission to help you feel empowered to make positive change in your life, no matter what you’re going through. We’ll teach you valuable tools, techniques and resources to provide guidance and partner with you in developing realistic goals and create a plan to achieve them.
We practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on balanced thinking and living. This is facilitated by our team of emotionally supportive, licensed Clinical Psychologists who have extensive training and are committed to your comfort and success.
