Blog for Better Living

Beware of Doomscrolling

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | April 29, 2022

Staying current in the ever-changing world we live in is important, but how do we know how much information is too much? We can access information about world events from the palm of our hands, easily scrolling from one news source to the next. How do you know when you’ve consumed enough for one day? […]

Trauma and Its Aftermath

By: Lisa Card Strong, Ph.D. | April 8, 2022

It’s easy to wish that unwanted, intrusive, and repetitive thoughts about a traumatic event could just disappear and go “poof.” Unfortunately, for those who have experienced trauma, the aftermath is simply not that simple. This article explains what trauma is, how it affects your mental health, and how you can help yourself. Understanding Trauma When […]

Springing into New Experiences: Values-Based Dating

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | March 11, 2022

Spring is around the corner, a season representing growth, change, and renewal. As the weather warms up, it’s common to experience an increase in energy, creativity, and motivation. Spring cleaning anyone? You may find that you are more motivated to try new things, be in new environments, and for some, even date. If you’re curiously […]

Personal Improvement, Relationships

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone! Join a Men’s Group

By: Demet Çek, Ph.D. | February 25, 2022

The idea of joining a therapy group can be intimidating at first. You may find yourself contemplating questions such as: What is a men’s group? What am I going to get out of this that I may not get elsewhere? Will I be understood or accepted? As facilitator of the Men’s Circle Group at Therapy […]

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 […]

Parenting, Relationships, Teens

Coming Out as Queer on Your Terms

By: Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D. | January 13, 2022

This article is inspired by friends and clients who recently shared with me about their coming out journey. In my article Relationship Tips for Gay Men…and anyone else smart enough to read this article, I suggest that gay men “celebrate their gay” by being themself in as many spaces as possible. This article will expand […]

Surviving the Holidays with a Narcissistic Family Member

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 17, 2021

Although the holidays are commonly associated with fun and merriment, for anyone with a narcissistic family member, this time of year can also be stressful and overwhelming. This article will help you better understand your relationship with a narcissistic family member, and how to not only survive – but thrive, this holiday season. What is […]

Family, Holidays, Relationships, Stress

Withstanding the Waves

By: Other | December 10, 2021

Written by Stephanie Salo, Psy.D. The water is cold on my feet, but the sun and breeze feel warm as I stand upright on the paddleboard, toes gripping the firm turquoise rubber surface. I adjust my balance easily after months of practice and take several sure strokes to navigate further out into Mission Bay. It […]

Are Your Relationships Healthy?

By: Lisa Card Strong, Ph.D. | November 12, 2021

Psychologists know that healthy relationships are based on respect and equality. Stable, healthy friendships, romantic partnerships and work relationships are formed when people treat each other in a respectful manner. When relationships are at their best, they can be a great source of companionship, support, and intimacy. We all strive for healthy relationships, but how […]