Leila Forbes, Ph.D.

We often imagine that improving our mood requires major life changes: a new job, a new city, a complete reinvention. But psychology tells a different story. Research consistently shows that small, repeatable actions can produce surprisingly strong shifts in emotional well-being.

Alexandra Halberstadt, PhD

Due to the political and cultural climate, it can be emotionally and physically exhausting as an LGBTQ+ person. The constant news of legislation, deaths, homophobia, and transphobia can put our bodies’ nervous systems on high alert, meaning you are in “fight or flight mode” constantly. Being in this state for long periods can lead to mental and physical health issues. Finding glimmers of feeling safe and connected can decrease nervous system activation.

Alexandra Halberstadt, PhD

Losing a loved one is an experience we all will likely face at some point, yet it is often hard for us to show up for our loved ones that are grieving. We may not know what to say or do, or we may feel uncomfortable discussing death. Grief looks different for every individual and will change over time, and we can support our loved ones by walking beside them in their grief, offering support and acceptance, and allowing them to grieve in their own time and in their own way.

Stephanie Hosford, Psy.D.

Atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) is a serious eating disorder marked by significant weight loss, fear of gaining weight, and body shape disturbance. Despite significant weight loss, individuals with AAN may have a "normal" or higher BMI. The medical and psychological complications in AAN are just as severe as what is seen in a case of 'typical' anorexia nervosa. However, individuals with AAN often experience weight stigma from loved ones, as well as medical and mental health professionals, which can delay appropriate treatment and care.

Alexandra Halberstadt, PhD

Due to the political and cultural climate, it can be emotionally and physically exhausting as an LGBTQ+ person. The constant news of legislation, deaths, homophobia, and transphobia can put our bodies’ nervous systems on high alert, meaning you are in “fight or flight mode” constantly. Being in this state for long periods can lead to mental and physical health issues. Finding glimmers of feeling safe and connected can decrease nervous system activation.

Kristin Daley, Ph.D., FSBSM

We are inundated with messages about health, and not many of them have a lot of accuracy. How can you be sure that what you read has any truth?

Jess Mandell, Ph.D.

We all know the 5 senses, but increasingly, people are paying attention to another sense: interoception, which is how one’s body feels. What are your body’s internal signals communicating to you? Are your muscles holding tension anywhere? Is your stomach growling? Is your brow furrowing? Being aware of our body’s signs and signals, and knowing what they mean, are critical for emotional awareness, expression, and regulation. 

Chrissy Raines, Ph.D.

Now that schools are out for summer break, it’s easy to fall into the trap of endless screen time. Summer might actually provide a fantastic opportunity to use technology in creative, educational, and even health-promoting ways.

Katharine Rogers, Psy.D.

The journey through eating disorder treatment can feel complex and emotionally charged, but there are tools that can help. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has become a valuable approach used in many eating disorder treatment settings. Learn more about how DBT fits into eating disorder treatment and how its core skills can support lasting recovery.

Stephanie McDonough, Ph.D.

Living with a medical condition comes with many challenges. Advocating for your own needs can feel like one more thing you have to figure out. It can be hard to find the right words to ask for help or to explain what you’re going through. Assertive communication can help you express your needs, set healthy boundaries, and teach others how to support you better.

Ryan Page, Ph.D.

Despite countless attempts at improving men's mental health, men's engagement in therapy still lags behind other groups. Popular media channels are even known to actively discourage men from pursuing therapy. We'll be looking at how we can push back on such narratives for the betterment of men everywhere.

Brittany Fuller, LCMHC

PTSD after sexual assault can bring overwhelming emotions, including numbness, fear, and hypervigilance. While these responses are natural, they can make daily life feel exhausting and isolating. Learn more about common PTSD symptoms and how survivors and their support networks can navigate the healing process.

Andrea Umbach, Psy.D., ABPP

Pregnancy and motherhood come with both physical and emotional ups and downs. Since there is a lot of uncertainty when having a child, you might think worrying and anxiety is just part of the deal. Learn more about anxiety during the pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Kristin Daley, Ph.D., FSBSM

Behavior change is incredibly doable, especially if you can anticipate the challenges that will arise. The truth is that the days/months/years to create a habit is really dependent on how complex the habit is, and how seamlessly the desired habit fits into your life. Here are some ways that you can make these changes stick.

Leila Forbes, Ph.D.

The holidays are often considered the most joyful time of the year, filled with family gatherings, laughter, and celebrations. However, for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, divorce, or estrangement, this time can be particularly difficult. Here are some ways to cope with grief during the holidays.

Kelsi Libfraind, LCSW

We live in a society where it's not uncommon for people to casually weave statements of “I am such a perfectionist” and “I can be so OCD” into light-hearted conversations. I like to think their intentions are not to poke fun at mental health conditions, but rather to highlight a blind spot in recognizing that seemingly "normal" behaviors or "quirks" can be maladaptive

Jess Mandell, Ph.D.

We are learning more and more about neurodiversity all the time, particularly because research is (finally!!) being done with more diverse groups of people. Additionally, people who have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are sharing their experiences online (e.g., on TikTok, on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum). With that said, we still have a lot to learn–and do!–to ensure people receive the right diagnosis(es) and supports. 

Katharine Rogers, Psy.D. and Stephanie Hosford, Psy.D.

Whether it’s during your teen’s annual physical, in response to a comment your teen has made, or you start to feel concerned about behaviors you are seeing at home, talking to your teen about weight can be a tricky topic to navigate. As eating disorder therapists, we often hear parents express deep care and concern for their children, while also feeling stuck with how to go about communicating these concerns.

Chrissy Raines, Ph.D.

As we transition into fall and back to school season, I’ve been reflecting on the 2024 Olympic Games. I believe there are some valuable lessons we can all take away from watching and cheering on the Olympians.

Stephanie McDonough, Ph.D.

Transitioning from working in cancer psychology to a more general role in health psychology is an exciting new place to be. There will be some important features from my work that I will carry with me.