Blog for Better Living
Vaccine Hesitancy: To Have or To Hold on the COVID-19 Shots
By: Michael Toohey, Psy.D. | March 5, 2021
After nearly a year of quarantine, COVID-19 vaccines are now available, representing hope for many while leaving lots of folks feeling hesitant and reluctant about receiving them. I was one of those folks. Over the past year, however, I followed the science and reviewed the data, which over time alleviated my doubts. By the time […]
Read MoreWho Takes Care of Mama?
By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | February 5, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have made every transition and challenge much harder. Becoming a new parent is no exception. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) impacted 15-20% of moms before the pandemic. Now in its midst, experts estimate the rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as much higher while bringing more social isolation […]
Read MoreIt’s Okay Not to Be Okay
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | January 29, 2021
More than ten months have passed since the first stay-at-home orders in March 2020. I still have days when my anxiety feels overwhelming, when fear makes me irritable and easily upset, when fatigue overcomes me, and when I struggle to find beauty in the world. I sometimes wonder “What’s wrong with me that I can’t […]
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Coping with COVID for the Long Haul
By: Lisa Card Strong, Ph.D. | November 13, 2020
2020 has been a challenging year. COVID-19 disrupted our work and relationships. We found it both challenging and breathtaking for our close relationships with significant others, with extended family, and with our children in coping with unexpected disruptions to life as we used to know it. Some of us experienced financial upheaval or illness. The […]
Read MoreSurviving the 2020 Presidential Election
By: Kamaljit "Sonya" Virdi, Ph.D. | October 30, 2020
The year 2020 marks one of the most challenging years in our recent history. Our country remains in a state of political unrest. Racial tensions remain high while Black, Indigenous, People of Color, (BIPOC) and White allies advocate for more equitable systems. COVID-19 continues to endanger the health and safety of many while ongoing unemployment […]
Read MoreFinding R.E.S.T.
By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | October 16, 2020
I and others I know seem to long for rest more than anything else these days. Between the news on natural disasters, the political climate, and COVID-19, I find that many of us experience too much stimulation from too much information input resulting in too little space for rest. For some, working from home provides […]
Read MoreAnxiety, Mindfulness, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation
Get Comfortable with Being a Beginner
By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 28, 2020
I’m not ashamed to tell you that I recently had a breakdown. I cried, got angry, and in no uncertain terms threw a temper tantrum that rivals that of a three-year-old fighting bedtime. The surprising thing is that my tantrum occurred in response to my husband trying to teach me the right way to do […]
Read MoreHow to Achieve Interpersonal Effectiveness
By: Lisa Card Strong, Ph.D. | August 21, 2020
Do you feel like you’re getting what you need in relationships? Do you ever find yourself just going along with other people? not really standing up for yourself? participating in something you don’t want to? feeling dissatisfied or irritated? not even knowing the reasons why? Increasing your interpersonal effectiveness skills can help decrease these annoyed, […]
Read MoreLetting Go of F.E.A.R.
By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | July 31, 2020
Let’s be real: Right now most of us endure some level of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty in this ever-changing pandemic reality. Now more than ever must we find ways to manage our stress and worry as we continue living our lives in these uncertain times. Coping can take extra creativity, given the limited or non-existent […]
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