Blog for Better Living

Finding Perspective

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 17, 2015

I recently came back from a dirtbiking trip to Death Valley and the surrounding area refreshed and refocused. There are many things that I love about dirtbiking like the opportunity to explore new places and be physically challenged. However, the aspect of the sport that appeals to me the most is the ability to Find […]

Emotional First Aid

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | September 27, 2014

Most people experience some emotionally traumatic events, ranging from the manageable to the overwhelming, over the course of their lifetimes. Yet, few people know how to help with the emotional aftermath of traumatic events. Both victims and witnesses of trauma may experience feelings of confusion, fear, sadness, and isolation, and often feel at a loss […]

Grief, Stress

The Personal Impact of the Death of a Public Figure

By: Other | August 15, 2014

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. Like many of you I found myself shocked and dismayed with the recent death of Robin Williams. He was a public figure who made us laugh, showed us that humor and silliness is an acceptable way to understand the world, and he helped us reflect on critical social issues like […]

Grief, Stress, Therapy

Hope Loves Company

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | May 7, 2014

The phrase “Hope Loves Company” has been used by Dr. Ken Druck at the Jenna Druck Center. The meaning behind this phrase is that by coming together in times of loss, grieving individuals can gain strength and find hope from one another. For many, the experience of a loss by death is very isolating. Friends […]

Grief, Therapy

Understanding Childhood Grief Responses

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

Children and adolescents grieve differently than adults. Grief occurs in many different circumstances, especially for children. In addition to losing a loved one through death, children grieve when the family has to relocate or change schools. In addition, grief occurs following a traumatic experience, the loss of a relationship, divorce, graduation, the experience of getting […]

Children, Grief

How to Cope in a “Get Over and Move On” Society

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | October 18, 2013

For those who have experienced loss, disappointment, betrayal, or trauma, the expression get over it and move on is a difficult concept to accept. If you have ever experienced the deep sorrow, confusion, sense of loneliness and aimlessness associated with the situations described here, you know that it’s not that easy to “get over it” […]

Grief

Understanding Teenage Grief

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

Teens grieve differently than adults. They move in and out of strong emotions and often grieve for a longer period of time. Their behavior may range from cold and withdrawn to clingy, to appearing as though they are doing fine. They are often not able to express in words, how they are feeling or what […]

Children, Grief

Finding Meaning from Tragedy: 9/11 12 years later

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | September 11, 2013

9/11 was a turning point in my life. I wasn’t in New York, I didn’t see the smoke and destruction, and yet my life changed that day – as it did for millions of Americans. Every year since then, people across the country have taken a moment to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost that […]

Family, Grief, Therapy

Grieving the Loss of a Pet

By: Other | August 7, 2013

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. According to the Humane Society of the United States there are over 78.2 million dogs and 86.4 million cats that are living as part of a human family, and there are over 2-3 million cats and dogs who are adopted each year. Adoptions are only one indicator of the commitment […]

Grief