Blog for Better Living

Grief in the Public Media: Mourning the Loss of ‘Glee’ Star Cory Monteith

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | July 17, 2013

Grief is in the news this week with the death of 31-year old ‘Glee’ actor Cory Monteith who passed away Saturday, July 13th of an overdose of heroin and alcohol. The Canadian-born actor, who played Finn Hudson on the Fox TV series about a high school glee club, has touched thousands of lives with his […]

Grief

Normal or Not? The Distinction between Grief and Depression

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | July 5, 2013

Recently a client came to my office following the death of her husband. When asked what brought her to therapy, she responded by saying her adult children had suggested she come. “Why?” I asked, for which she replied, “They are worried that I might be depressed.” In fact, many people who are grieving a loss […]

Grief

Trouble with Your Teen?

By: Other | June 27, 2013

Written by Rebecca Zygar Parenting can be the most rewarding experience. However, it can also be very difficult, especially through the teen years and specifically in these modern times. It is important to develop and maintain strong bonds within the family. Teens need to know that their parents can handle their issues, however complicated they […]

Children, Family

Thinking about Getting Married?

By: Other | June 19, 2013

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. I was at a Padres game recently and between the third and fourth innings this “gaggle” of Padres women and the Friar mascot came bounding down the stairs stopping two rows behind us. The commotion was followed by a gentleman getting down on one knee, pulling out a ring box […]

Relationships

Conversations with Your Children

By: Other | June 14, 2013

Written by Fabiola Figueroa, Ph.D. Being a parent during this generation can be as rewarding as it can be challenging. As society evolves and the family unit is redefined and increases in diversity, as a parent, it is important to think about what kind of relationship you would like to have with your child, what […]

Children, Family

How to Keep the Fire Burning in a Relationship

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | June 4, 2013

A long-term healthy relationship takes hard work. This fact is often overlooked because it is easy to become complacent or comfortable in long term relationships or marriages. However, a small increase in time and energy spent on the relationship can reap great rewards. When our relationships are working well, everything else in our lives runs […]

Relationships, Therapy

Terror At The Finish Line: Understanding Trauma Reaction After The Boston Marathon Attacks

By: Other | May 29, 2013

Written by Fabiola Figueroa, Ph.D. The culture of athletic events has developed over the course of thousands of years. Athleticism has been defined and viewed as a sign of physical strength and incredible focus. Some say that certain athletes are on the verge of being superheroes. Over time, athleticism has come to be viewed as […]

Grief, Therapy

A Parent’s Guide to Managing the Transition to College with Your Son/Daughter Part 2

By: Other | May 24, 2013

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. High school graduation is behind us, thank you notes are written, graduation parties are over, and summer jobs are now confirmed…so what’s next? The summer before your student leaves for college is an important transition time for him/her, there will be expectations of time with you and an unspoken assumption […]

Children, Family

Being a Stepmother on Mother’s Day

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | May 13, 2013

Mother’s Day is a time for Mom to be acknowledged for the hard work and unconditional love she offers to her children and family. It is typically celebrated as a time for Mom to bask in the glow of love and attention from her partner and children. For stepmoms, Mother’s Day can trigger the deepest […]

Children, Family, Relationships