Savvy Psychologist

538. Loss is inevitable, but grief is our emotional response to what is gone. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson and psychotherapist Hilary Bucell look at the differences between grief and depression and discuss various forms of loss, including ambiguous loss (like dementia or divorce) and disenfranchised grief (loss that society doesn't acknowledge). Learn more about Hilary Bucell at her practic...

537. You don't have to suffer through the winter months. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at how to create a multi-faceted approach to wellness for SAD. She looks at the importance of regulating your sleep schedule, boosting natural light exposure, and using behavioral activation to combat the urge to withdraw and isolate yourself. Find a transcript here .  Savvy Psychologist is hosted by...

536. Sleep isn't a luxury; it's a foundational deposit in your "mental health bank." In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at why consistent sleep is essential for mood, memory, immunity, and heart health. She looks at the minimum recommended sleep amount and discusses the positive ripple effects of protecting your rest. Episodes related to this one:   Hello Sleep #1: 4 biggest myths about sle...

535. Deceptive behaviors around illness are often signs of deep, unmet emotional needs. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the severe medical and psychological costs of factitious disorder and malingering. She looks at how to recognize these patterns and discusses how specific therapies like CBT and DBT can help an individual build a life based on authenticity. Find a transcript here . ...

534. Money isn't just about numbers; it's deeply emotional. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the psychology behind your financial habits, including the money scripts you absorbed in childhood and how your brain categorizes money. She looks at why you feel a certain way about spending, saving, and debt. Find a transcript here .  Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.  Have...

533. Do you snap at your loved ones, shut down in meetings, or go to great lengths to please others? In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the four survival responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. She looks at how these deeply rooted biological reactions manifest in your daily life and offers strategies for understanding your nervous system's attempts to keep you safe. Find a transcript...

532.  It's possible to have healthy, reciprocal relationships, even if you’re dealing with emotionally immature people. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at how to reclaim your peace by understanding this dynamic. She looks at why your boundaries are essential and offers insights on how to disengage from unhealthy patterns so you can prioritize your well-being. Find a transcript here .  Sa...

531. Have you ever wondered why some relationships last while others fizzle? In this episode, Dr. Johnson looks at Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love to help you understand the dynamics of your relationships. She looks at the roles of emotional closeness, physical attraction, and long-term commitment, and how their presence or absence shapes different kinds of love. Find a full transcript here....

530. Do you often find yourself agreeing to things you don't want to do? In this episode, we look at the deep psychological and cultural reasons behind people-pleasing, from social conditioning to the fear of rejection. We look at how this tendency can lead to burnout, resentment, and a loss of self-trust, and offer ways to understand why you might struggle to say "no.” Find a full transcript here...

529. Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed or shut down by stress? In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the window of tolerance, a key concept for understanding your nervous system's capacity to handle life's challenges. She looks at how past trauma and societal pressures, particularly for groups like Black women, can impact this window, and offers actionable strategies to expand it. Fin...

Do you have adult ADHD, or suspect that you might? In this episode, we explore 12 techniques that can help improve executive skills that are affected by ADHD. This episode originally aired on July 15, 2022. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A full transcript can be found here.  Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology ti...

Losing a job often triggers unrecognized grief and a significant increase in stress and anxiety. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the emotional fallout of unemployment, from shock and anger to self-blame. She looks at how to navigate these feelings, reclaim your narrative, and establish a new routine that balances healing with proactive steps toward your next opportunity. Find a full t...

Do you struggle with small talk? This episode looks at why this everyday interaction is more important than you might think for mental health and relationships. We look at the benefits of small talk, including building social bonds and practicing communication skills, and offer actionable tips like the FORD framework and reflective listening to make it easier. Find a full transcript here.  Savvy P...

Body image is more than just appearance; it's about identity and self-worth. This episode looks at the four components of body image—perceptual, cognitive, affective, and behavioral—and explores how media, cultural standards, and personal experiences influence it for everyone, including women, men, and nonbinary individuals. We look at strategies for healing your body image. Find a full transcript...

Political differences can strain even the closest relationships. This episode looks at why political issues now feel so personal, often tying into core values and identity. We look at how to navigate these tough conversations with family and friends, focusing on setting boundaries and maintaining connection without compromising your truth. Find a full transcript here.  Savvy Psychologist is hosted...

In this episode, we discuss premature ejaculation (PE). Dr. Johnson breaks down the DSM-5-TR definition, explores common causes and types, and offers mental health tips and treatment options for individuals navigating this experience. Transcript for this episode Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.  Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com .  Fin...

Breakups are tough, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Join Dr. Monica Johnson as she shares psychological insights on why relationships end, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to authentically heal and rebuild your life after heartbreak. This episode will give you practical strategies for emotional well-being and reclaiming your identity post-relationship. Other episodes mentioned in this ep...

Dr. Monica Johnson reveals the powerful psychology behind hobbies and how they are essential for boosting mental health, reducing stress, and fostering joy. Discover why engaging in leisure activities can improve brain function, build social connections, and aid in trauma recovery, even when life feels overwhelming. Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-start-and-st...

"Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) can feel like a "treat yourself" pass, but it's not magic; it's psychology. This episode looks at why BNPL systems are so seductive, especially for those with financial instability or emotional trauma. We also look at actionable steps to manage BNPL use, such as identifying the emotions behind spending and addressing financial shame. Transcript: https://savvy-psychologi...

Are you feeling lonely? Hear why making and keeping friends as an adult is harder than ever, and learn evidence-based strategies to build meaningful connections in a world that prioritizes productivity over people. Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/making-friends-as-adults/transcript Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.   Have a mental health question? E...

Dr. Monica Johnson is joined by Dr. Khadijah Cyril to discuss narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how it differs from typical harmful behaviors like lying and cheating. They explore the dynamics of relationships involving NPD, the influence of modern dating apps, and offer strategies for breaking free from unhealthy relationship cycles. Dr. Cyril emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing NPD...

While dopamine is a vital part of our brain's functioning, an over-reliance on it can lead to various downsides affecting our mental and physical well-being. Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/the-downsides-of-dopamine-reissue/transcript Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.  Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or...

In this episode, Dr. Johnson gets into the psychological reasons why sports betting can be so enticing, exploring the mental traps and risk factors involved. It also provides practical strategies for individuals struggling with sports betting to regain control and find healthier coping mechanisms. Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/why-your-brain-loves-sports-betting-an...

Ever feel down after coming back from vacation? You're not alone! In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson dives into the science behind post-vacation sadness, exploring why that 'back to reality' feeling hits so hard.  Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/the-post-vacation-blues-understanding-and-overcoming-the-letdown/transcript Have a mental health question? Email us at psy...

How do you know when you’re having a panic attack? Today, we’re going over some of the physical signs of panic attacks and what to do if you frequently experience them. Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/11-physical-signs-of-a-panic-attack-reissue/transcript Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 929-256-219...