Blog for Better Living

Is Medication Right for Me? A Therapist Weighs In

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | February 6, 2026

As a psychologist, I’m a strong believer in the power of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to improve mood and anxiety. At the same time, many clients I work with wonder about the role medication might play in managing their symptoms. While prescribing medication (and giving medical advice) isn’t my role as a […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation, Therapy

Cultivating Calm in Crisis

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | November 22, 2024

As much as we hope to avoid them, at some point or another, we are all inevitably affected by crises in our lives. For example, an unexpected bill shows up, a pet or a child falls ill, your flight gets canceled, you need to have a high-stakes conversation with a loved one. All these situations […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress

Self-Care Made Simple With GRAPES

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | August 16, 2024

Self-neglect and self-loathing are out, and self-care is in! Everyone from celebrities to doctors, morning shows, and even business publications promote the need for improved self-care practices. It’s no surprise that giving yourself some personal time helps lessen stress. Research shows that practicing self-care daily has a profound effect on both our mental and physical […]

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Depression, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | February 23, 2024

If you find yourself losing momentum on your New Year’s resolutions, you’re not alone. This is a common phenomenon; studies estimate that 80-90% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned before the end of the year, and often by the end of January! This experience can be disheartening, to say the least. As a psychologist who […]

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Holidays, Personal Improvement, Stress

When It’s More Than Just ‘Being Shy’: Understanding Social Anxiety

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | December 1, 2023

Social anxiety touched my life at a young age. I remember feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed when I was five years old during a show-and-tell presentation. I remember second-guessing myself and not raising my hand in class, even when I knew I had the right answer. And I remember how it felt to be “too shy” […]

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Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Relationships

Why You Should Have Hard Conversations

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | August 11, 2023

…And How To Start Them   We hope for harmony in our relationships, yet disagreements are bound to arise. The closer the relationship, the more strongly we feel when disagreements emerge. When we learn how to work through conflict together, we can heal our relationships, deepen intimacy, and feel better connected. Working through conflict in […]

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Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Family, Relationships

Therapy Changes Welcomes Dr. Ashley Malooly

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | May 26, 2023

I am so excited to join the Therapy Changes family! My passion is helping clients live full, meaningful lives and feel empowered when faced with difficult life challenges. If you are considering therapy, you may feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or stressed. You are tired of feeling the way you do and are ready to start […]

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Anxiety, Introduction, Personal Improvement, Stress, Therapy