When you need more than your loved ones can provide, there is help.         Resources for Grief and Support Groups  Compassionate Friends - National Org.http://www.compassionatefriends.comGrief, Loss, and Recoveryhttp://www.grieflossrecovery.comGriefNet.orgGrief Recovery ~ The Action Program for Moving Beyond Losshttp://www.grief-recovery.comArt ..read more

Experiencing the sexual doldrums? Bored? Unmotivated? Waiting for your partner to light the spark? This interview with psychotherapist Esther Perel on sexual desire within a long term relationship might provide insights. Give a listen, here. (Interview by Lewis Howe). Want more? Take a listen to Esther Perel's TED talk on sexual desire and "erotic intelligence" here.   She is an informed and ..read more

 Anxiety around introducing yourself at your new job? Ruminating about virtual meeting introductions?  First of all, congratulations! You're hired! Second, help is on the way. Prepare by thinking of these three words: Present, Past, and Future. Read more, here. Haven't gotten there yet? Tips for finding a new job, here. Cognitive strategy: Give yourself the pep talk you would give your good ..read more

In honor of the first day of the fall season, I am re-posting my Pleasant Events List.  Those of you who read the previous post will be glad to see I've made a few changes, out with some of the old and in with some new ideas. For those reading this list for the first time, what is it all about? When someone is experiencing a sad, down, angry, lonely, or otherwise lowered mood, one tip that can ..read more

My goal is to post every two weeks at the very minimum.  For one reason or another I looked over my blog today.  I see that I've gone months in between posts. Months!  Yes, Virginia, even behavioral psychologists fall short of their goals.  More often than some of us would like to admit, surely.   Another goal I've set for myself over the past few years has to do with the busy holiday ..read more

If you or someone you care about is the victim of domestic violence, here are a list of resources relating to legal assistance ..read more

Ohhhh, the dreaded hangover. Headaches, fatigue, aches, you name it. We've all been there. People are well aware of the physical effects of hangovers, but have you heard of hangover anxiety? Some call it the "Sunday Scaries" Some attribute it to Mondays. And no, it's not just recalling embarrassing memories of over sharing to that poor girl in the bathroom, or getting up and making a fool of ..read more

Dr. Laurie Santos shared a fascinating insight on Dax Sheppard's podcast: Expert Armchair. What you are motivated to get is completely separate from what you're actually going to appreciate once you get it. There is a part of your brain designed for wanting and craving, and another part of your brain that governs liking and satisfaction. I'll give you some real world examples. Some people ..read more

Staying sober is not easy. During their using days, addicts have been using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate chronic unpleasant feelings, physical sensations, and negative self-talk. Some refer to the constant stream of negative self talk as being "stuck in my own head." Alcoholic Anonymous recommends that many addicts commit to helping other addicts as a way of "getting out of my head ..read more

Typically, a person's first attempt at meditating is extremely frustrating. The mind wanders, they realize they've become distracted, they try to come back to their breath... Then, their mind wanders off again, maybe for a few minutes, until they realize they've become distracted yet again, and feelings of anger arise. These feelings of anger leave many people feeling defeated. It's common for ..read more