Blog for Better Living
Food and Your Mood: How Food Affects Mental Health
By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | January 19, 2024
The prevalence of mental health conditions is on the rise, and as a society it is crucial that we seriously examine and address the factors that contribute to these issues, both for ourselves and for younger generations. One area that deserves attention is our typical Western modern diet, specifically the over-consumption of ultra-processed food. In […]
Read MoreManaging the Holidays with PTSD
By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | December 22, 2023
If you are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and feeling anxious about the upcoming holidays, you are not alone. Large gatherings of loved ones, crowded stores, and big, bustling events with loud sounds can be overstimulating. This, combined with the added pressure around the holidays to join in and enjoy the festivities […]
Read MoreSigns 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 […]
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When It’s More Than Just ‘Being Shy’: Understanding Social Anxiety
By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | December 1, 2023
Social anxiety touched my life at a young age. I remember feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed when I was five years old during a show-and-tell presentation. I remember second-guessing myself and not raising my hand in class, even when I knew I had the right answer. And I remember how it felt to be “too shy” […]
Read MoreA Psychologist’s Guide to Stress-Free Celebrations
By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | November 17, 2023
How to Honor Your Values and Boundaries this Holiday Season The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of activities, social gatherings, and family events. While it can be a joyous time, it can also be overwhelming, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety. As a psychologist who practices from an action-oriented, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, […]
Read MoreHow to Cope with Gender Disappointment
By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | November 10, 2023
If you are an expectant parent, you’ve undoubtedly been asked: “Do you want a boy or a girl?” All expectant parents have their own ideas and expectations about the biological sex of their future child and create fantasies around what an ideal family looks like. The anticipation of a child’s gender can lead to a […]
Read MoreAnger, Anxiety, Children, Depression, Family, Grief, Parenting, Perinatal, Relationships
Coping with Betrayal Trauma
By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | October 27, 2023
Betrayal is a deeply painful and disorienting experience. When you experience betrayal, it can feel like your whole world dropped from underneath you, which undermines your sense of trust, safety, and self-worth. As a psychologist who specializes in trauma and who works with women in the perinatal phase, I am acutely aware that marital satisfaction […]
Read MoreUnmasking Loneliness: How Understanding Its Source Can Lead To Healing
By: Demet Çek, Ph.D. | October 6, 2023
If you feel lonely, you are not alone. It’s ironic and it’s true. Rates of loneliness are increasing in many parts of the world. We are “connected” digitally but not as available to each other otherwise. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s 2023 report entitled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” highlights the extent to […]
Read MoreAnxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Substance Abuse
Therapy Changes Welcomes Dr. Shanni Tal
By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | September 22, 2023
I am very excited to join the Therapy Changes team and work alongside such caring, thoughtful, and professional therapists! I place a high value on creating meaningful connections, which has guided my journey to become a psychologist. My passion to help others learn more about themselves, cultivate tools to navigate life’s most difficult transitions, and […]
Read MoreAnxiety, Introduction, Perinatal, Personal Improvement, Therapy, Trauma