Blog for Better Living

How to Help Your Teen Become Their Own Person

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | February 7, 2022

Individuation is a crucial developmental phase that starts in early adolescence. During this time teens and young adults begin to assert their own independent identity and establish a cohesive sense of self. Physician and psychiatrist Margaret Mahler describes this period of development as follows: “The child’s life begins in a symbiotic relationship with their primary caregiver before […]

Parenting, Relationships, Teens

Surviving the Holidays with a Narcissistic Family Member

By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | December 17, 2021

Although the holidays are commonly associated with fun and merriment, for anyone with a narcissistic family member, this time of year can also be stressful and overwhelming. This article will help you better understand your relationship with a narcissistic family member, and how to not only survive – but thrive, this holiday season. What is […]

Family, Holidays, Relationships, Stress

Withstanding the Waves

By: Other | December 10, 2021

Written by Stephanie Salo, Psy.D. The water is cold on my feet, but the sun and breeze feel warm as I stand upright on the paddleboard, toes gripping the firm turquoise rubber surface. I adjust my balance easily after months of practice and take several sure strokes to navigate further out into Mission Bay. It […]

Are Your Relationships Healthy?

By: Lisa Card Strong, Ph.D. | November 12, 2021

Psychologists know that healthy relationships are based on respect and equality. Stable, healthy friendships, romantic partnerships and work relationships are formed when people treat each other in a respectful manner. When relationships are at their best, they can be a great source of companionship, support, and intimacy. We all strive for healthy relationships, but how […]

Surviving This Holiday Season

By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | November 5, 2021

The end-of-the-year holidays are meant to be a time of joy and togetherness. For some of us, it may be the first time seeing extended family and celebrating the holidays with others since the coronavirus pandemic. During this time popular movies, ads, and TV shows depict the holidays as a magical time where friends and […]

Family, Holidays, Relationships

Reinvigorating Sexual Passion and Desire in a Committed Relationship

By: Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D. | October 29, 2021

In the early days of a relationship, sex can seem fun, exciting, and something to look forward to for many couples. Of course, every couple is different. For many, even those still profoundly in love, sexual passion and behaviors can change throughout a long-term relationship. Couples who maintain a higher level of passion in a […]

Relationships

The Art of Letting Go: Tips for Newly Empty Nesters

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | September 24, 2021

Do you find yourself looking longingly at your child’s baby pictures? Do the ads for “dorm room décor” bring you to the brink of tears? Have you recently helped your high school graduate pack up their belongings? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then you might be a new empty nester. If you are finding it […]

Family, Parenting, Relationships

How Can I Tell if My Therapy is Working?

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | September 10, 2021

When I meet with clients for the first time, I ask whether they have had therapy before. If they answer ‘yes,’ I ask what was helpful or not helpful in that experience. I often hear people say they felt like they just vented to their therapist and didn’t get anywhere during their sessions. Surprisingly, many […]

The Effects of Childhood Trauma

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 27, 2021

When we think of childhood, we typically associate feelings of security, love, optimism, and joy. Feeling protected and cared for during our childhood not only allows us to develop a secure sense of self but also healthy relationships later in life. Unfortunately, not everyone grows up feeling this way. Even if you had a generally […]