Blog for Better Living

How to Be Gentle with Yourself

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | May 12, 2017

Life is hard. Yet, many of us make it worse by being hard on ourselves. We waste precious time beating ourselves up, wallowing in guilt, or chastising ourselves for mistakes we feel we’ve made. We live in a “Get Over It and Move On” society where we are implicitly or explicitly encouraged to be a […]

Psychology-Based Study Tips

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | January 20, 2017

For students starting the spring semester at school, the New Year represents a fresh start for academics. Many students use this transition time to renew their focus on studying and setting goals for higher grades through better study habits. These are noble pursuits, yet without the skills to achieve them, change may not occur. Unlike […]

Personal Improvement, Therapy

How to Avoid Divorce: Effectively Managing Conflict in a Relationship

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | November 18, 2016

Recently, I participated in a discussion on ESPN AM 1700 Real Talk Radio on the topic of “Avoiding Divorce: Conversations you Should Have Before Getting Married, and the Anatomy of a Healthy Relationship.” During the conversation I introduced the concept of the “Four Horseman of the Apocalypse,” a description of problem behaviors that, if exist […]

Relationships

Helping Teens Cope with Social Anxiety

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | October 21, 2016

Adolescence is a time of uncertainty and change. It is a period of adjustment when children develop autonomy; learn more about themselves and transition into young adulthood. It’s natural for teens feel self-conscious, nervous or shy in font of others during this time. Many teens experience a racing heart, sweaty palms or fluttering stomach during […]

Anxiety, Mindfulness, Stress, Teens

How to Practice Self-Compassion

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 12, 2016

Sadly, for many of us, we are all too familiar with emotionally “beating ourselves up”. And, it’s not surprising. We live in a society where we’re taught that being hard on ourselves is the way to success. So, in an effort to get ahead, we criticize ourselves, push ourselves (often times too far) and certainly […]

Self-Care for the Caregiver – Part 2

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | July 1, 2016

Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it also involves many stressors. Caregiving can make an impact on your health, relationships, and state of mind. That’s why taking time to relax, rest, and recharge isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity! In this second part of the two-part series, Self-Care for […]

Self-Care for the Caregiver – Part 1

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | June 24, 2016

On an airplane, an oxygen mask descends in front of you. What do you do? As we all know, the first rule is to put on your own oxygen mask before your assist anyone else. If you are a caregiver, this rule often is the first to fly out the window. Caring for yourself is […]

Dr. Perper Contributes to the Cover Story in the San Diego Reader!

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | May 20, 2016

The cover story of the San Diego Reader, titled We Shared this Bond discusses the importance of group support for children who have lost a mother. The article features a San Diego-based program, Chula’s Mission. Chula’s Mission was founded in 2010 by Lyndsey Ruiz after the loss of her mother to cancer. Upon realizing the […]

Ready for College! Are you ready?

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | May 5, 2016

You’ve put so much intensity, energy, and focus into preparing for college by studying for the SAT’s, taking AP classes and visiting schools. Now comes the most important part of the preparation process…making the transition between high school and college. Taking time to create a plan for the Four Core Components of College Readiness will […]

Anxiety, Stress, Teens