Blog for Better Living

Practicing Vulnerability

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 7, 2015

The term vulnerability is described beautifully in the book Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. Her book not only describes the concept of vulnerability but also discusses its importance in our lives. Vulnerability, according to Brown is a crucial part of human existence that is oftentimes ignored or suppressed. All humans have emotions, and thus, all […]

Personal Improvement, Relationships

Coping with Frustration and Anger

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | January 8, 2015

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion, and can be an adaptive response to threats in our environment. But, when chronic, explosive anger spirals out of control, it can have serious consequences for your relationship, your health, and your state of mind. You can learn to control your anger You have more control over your anger […]

Personal Improvement

Surviving the Holidays after Divorce

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 24, 2014

The holiday season is typically a time of great anticipation and excitement. But for those who are in the early stages of transitioning through divorce, the prospect of facing the holidays without your partner or children may cause some anxiety and sadness. It is okay to accept the difficulty of this time of year and […]

Children, Family, Relationships, Stress

Compromise the Coffee

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 20, 2014

We know what happens when we don’t get our morning fix – withdrawals! It’s funny how a stop to my neighborhood café and one sip of my favorite drink can take away my headache and cheer me right up. Unfortunately, buying coffee everyday isn’t too kind to my wallet, nor is it to my health. […]

Personal Improvement

The Psychological Benefits of Yoga

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | October 17, 2014

“Come with me to a yoga class!” said my friend Caroline to me sometime last year. “Why on earth would I want to go to a stretch class with strangers that I don’t know in a blazing hot room?” I thought to myself. “No thanks,” I quickly replied. Despite my reluctance and skepticism about the […]

Stress, Therapy

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

How to Use Both Sides of Your Brain

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 13, 2014

Have you ever heard people say that they are more of a ‘right brain’ or ‘left brain’ thinker? You’ve probably heard the term before, whether it is on the radio, in a TV show, or sometime long ago in your bio class. But, what does the expression really mean? Do we really think with one […]

Personal Improvement

Getting Married on Your Terms

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | July 30, 2014

Recently I had the privilege of traveling to Alaska for my very first “Extra Tuff Wedding”. Extra Tuffs, for those of us in the lower 48, are the footwear of choice for South East Alaskan natives. The big brown boots are clunky, rubber and not very attractive at first glance – but to those who […]

Family, Relationships

Best Tips on How To Deal With Difficult People

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | July 9, 2014

We’ve all encountered them, and they exist almost everywhere: the difficult person. Difficult people do exist, and at some point or another you will probably be confronted with the need to deal with a high conflict, or difficult person. Most of us are proficient in our communication skills and feel more or less effective in […]

Personal Improvement, Relationships