Blog for Better Living
The Effects of Childhood Trauma
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 27, 2021
When we think of childhood, we typically associate feelings of security, love, optimism, and joy. Feeling protected and cared for during our childhood not only allows us to develop a secure sense of self but also healthy relationships later in life. Unfortunately, not everyone grows up feeling this way. Even if you had a generally […]
Read MoreAnxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Substance Abuse, Trauma
“Dear Client, you can tell me anything.”
By: Other | July 23, 2021
Written by Stephanie Salo, Psy.D. “I don’t know if I can talk about this here…” As a psychologist, one of my favorite novels is “Lying On The Couch” by Irvin Yalom, MD. Not only does it have a clever title, it made me aware of how often clients choose NOT to disclose to their therapists. […]
Read MoreTraumatic Grief in the COVID-19 Era
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | May 28, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has already altered the way we live, work, learn, and relate to each other. The many types of losses we’ve experienced during this time include financial insecurity, relocation, separation from family and friends, racial trauma, and losses of intangibles such as a sense of normalcy. The virus has also dramatically changed a […]
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Dispelling 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 MoreDe-Stigmatizing Mental Health and Access to Care in Communities of Color
By: Other | March 26, 2021
Written by Kimberly Nenemay, Psy.D. A year ago, our lives changed in dramatic ways. Not only did the U.S. make the official announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery were tragically killed, igniting protests for equal rights and against systemic oppression and racism.[1,2,3] While the protests have died down, and […]
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 […]
Read MoreTherapy Changes Welcomes Dr. Gregory Koch
By: Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D. | December 26, 2020
In our era of “snapshot appearances” and social media, being yourself can be hard. It isn’t easy to keep up appearances, and this takes a toll on our self-esteem and self-identity. That is why having a place where you can be yourself, let your guard down, be vulnerable, and be seen is so important. Holding […]
Read MoreTherapy Changes Welcomes Dr. Kristen Lipari
By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | September 18, 2020
I am thrilled to join the Therapy Changes family and look forward to serving our diverse and resilient clients. I understand that in your own family you might have received the message that therapy signals weakness, especially for those who really struggle. I received similar messages growing up as an Armenian American ethnic minority. However, […]
Read MoreIntroduction, Parenting, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress, Therapy, Trauma
How to be Patient with Yourself and Others in a Changing World
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | July 10, 2020
We live in a time where everything can change at an accelerated pace. No protocol exists for a time like this, no wisdom upon which to rely or set a course to follow. If ever there was a time when we should show patience, it would be now, right? After all, we’ve never done this […]
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