Blog for Better Living
Flex Your Brain on Vacation
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | July 16, 2021
When you think of summer, do you think of swimming, hiking, road trips, and beach days? Do you think of doing brain exercises to increase your cognitive flexibility? No? Just me? Consider this: Just as physical activity helps our bodies to maintain flexibility and move more efficiently, brain exercises help maintain flexibility in our thinking. […]
Read MoreDispelling the Myths around PTSD
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | April 30, 2021
As a psychologist, I’ve worked with clients having a wide range of traumatic life experiences including PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, particularly the myths about it coming up again and again. Last year brought a host of unique challenges, significant loss, and intensely stressful experiences, not the least of which included a pandemic. You […]
Read MoreProlonged Exposure as a Treatment Option for PTSD
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | February 19, 2021
Have you suffered exposure to death or threats of death, sexual violence or serious physical injury? Do you have nightmares or intrusive memories of some past traumatic event? Do you feel irritable, emotionally numb, or on edge? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Do I need trauma-focused treatment? PTSD […]
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The Impossible Dream: I Just Want to Make Everyone Happy!
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | November 20, 2020
It’s that time of year again wherein we finish off Halloween candy, we take out our sweaters, and we face the inevitable questions about where to celebrate Thanksgiving and the Holidays. These questions challenge us under normal circumstances, but during a pandemic they rise to a whole new level of nerve-wracking. If you find yourself […]
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 MoreSelf-Care for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color & Tips for Allies
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | June 26, 2020
Co-authored by Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. and Estefani Mejia, B.A. “I don’t know what to say” is a common theme in therapy rooms these days as people grapple with issues of injustice in Black communities. To say these times are difficult is an understatement. When asked what we think about recent events and racial issues, we […]
Read MoreWhat is Teletherapy?
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | April 10, 2020
Telemedicine, telepsychology, telehealth, videoconferencing psychotherapy, and teletherapy name the psychological services delivered by electronic means. In teletherapy, the therapist sits in one location, the client in another. A client at home, for example, can confer with a therapist at the clinic. The two have their psychotherapy session together via secure internet technology that allows for […]
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 MoreLOL!
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | November 1, 2019
Laughing out loud. When was the last time you did that….I mean really laughed out loud, not just responded with a smile to an emoji? And, did you know that humor is an all-purpose super power waiting to be unlocked every day? Psychologically speaking, I can announce that it is so! Embrace your humor superpower […]
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