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 […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation

A Therapist’s Wish for 2024

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 29, 2023

The new year signifies a time of reflection and gratitude. This especially reigns true this year, as COVID’s grip on us lessened. The national public health emergency officially ended on May 11, 2023. It’s hard to believe that only a short time ago the world opened up and things seem to operate in their pre-pandemic […]

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Holidays, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Relationships

Why Values Matter

By: Sheila Allameh, Psy.D. | December 15, 2023

What do you value? While it may appear to be a simple question, the answer is often met with a look of confusion followed by the reply, “I haven’t thought about that before.” If you have difficulty identifying your values, you’re not alone. This article will help you begin the journey of discovering your values […]

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Family, Personal Improvement, Relationships

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” […]

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Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Relationships

The Power of Saying No

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | November 3, 2023

Are you a people-pleaser? Do you find it challenging to set boundaries and often spread yourself too thin? Saying ‘no’ is a real struggle for many of us, especially if you tend to prioritize others over yourself. Learning to set boundaries is a crucial skill and plays a vital role in helping you create the […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress

Unmasking 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 […]

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Anxiety, 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 […]

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Anxiety, Introduction, Perinatal, Personal Improvement, Therapy, Trauma

Understanding Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Therapy That Works!

By: Sheila Allameh, Psy.D. | September 15, 2023

“Change your thoughts, and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy? Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is recognized as one of the most effective and popular forms of psychotherapy. More than 2,000 studies have examined the efficacy of CBT to treat a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Substance Abuse, Therapy, Trauma

Faulty Connections: How Constant Communication is Ruining Dating

By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | August 18, 2023

Most people today connect with romantic interests virtually, in one form or another. We are more connected now than we ever have been with text messages, phone calls, videocalls, social media apps (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) and the ability to share our location. In therapy, I frequently hear people say, we text all day, so I […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress, Therapy