Imperfect Love

Whether you're approaching your 30s, 40s, 50s, or are well into your later years, you're likely experiencing big and little health changes that may make your life seem messy and out of balance. Yet all too often, we don't get the caring medical attention we deserve and need. This can have a huge impact on everything from your body image and moods to your physical health and relationships. And if y...

As parents, we often expect ourselves to be completely calm – and even perfect – no matter what comes our way. Yet, in real life, it's all too easy to get stressed and reactive when parenting gets challenging. Internal and external demands can become overwhelming and knock us off center--and this can raise big feelings such as disappointment, anger, and self-doubt. So what are the secrets to creat...

Do you have magnetic energy? Some people seem to have the "it" quality – that indefinable allure that pulls people toward them. Certain experts think it's a matter of pheromones, while others believe it's a mix of physical and psychological qualities that creates the draw. From my personal and professional experience, I've found that natural charisma and physical looks have a place in the mysterio...

Complex trauma is more common than you might think. Many people face a host of significant challenges such as damaging childhood experiences, relationship abuse, and terrifying life events. The impact of traumatic experiences can surely accumulate over time even though we're often unaware of the significant mental, emotional, and physical toll. Sadly, we end up merely "holding it together" as we m...

Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Do you consciously or unconsciously engage in self-sabotaging behaviors? Do fear, anxiety, and negative patterns get in the way of your ability to grow and shine as your authentic self? As a clinical psychologist, I've found that low self-worth and self-sabotaging behaviors are often the biggest impediments to living a joyful, abundant life. If you're yearni...

Have you ever felt stuck in life, wondering where your true path may be? Although we often feel like we should know exactly what we're doing and where we're going in life, I've found – from personal and professional experience – that it's quite normal to get confused and stuck at least once along the way. Wouldn't it be lovely if you could discover a map for navigating life's challenges? And would...

Do you find yourself giving in to others or letting go of your boundaries just to feel loved, included, or accepted? If this sounds familiar, take heart; it's an extremely common issue. Healthy boundaries are essential for healthy relationships, but it's often tough to create and enforce strong boundaries –especially if they weren't modeled in your early years.  In today's episode, I'm joined...

Marriage – or any long-term romantic relationship – can be one of life's most joyful partnerships. Yet, sometimes, what was once a promising union can become more like a roommate situation or worse. If you're in a romantic relationship that's gone (or is going) a bit south, today's episode promises a wealth of actionable relationship and intimacy tips to help you and your romantic life thrive. Joi...

How to Tune into the Power of Your Intuition, Creativity, and Imagination Do you ever feel like your instinct – or some sense of deep knowing and natural wisdom – is giving you information that your rational mind tells you is illogical or wrong? Or perhaps you've been told by a partner, friend, or family member that your choices aren't as analytical as they ought to be. In fact, we're often remind...

The journey through a serious medical condition is never easy, but when the diagnosis is cancer, it can be downright harrowing. As a clinical psychologist and woman, I've personally known the deep pain of losing loved ones to cancer, and the challenges are surely intense. And for all the souls who have been through similar experiences, you know how taxing it can be physically, mentally, and spirit...

Top Tips to Improve Your Wellbeing and Change Unhealthy Habits Do you often feel exhausted, stressed, or simply out of balance? Do you have unhealthy habits that make you feel stuck? It might sound odd, but your emotions and mindset have a huge impact on your brain and body–just like your food, exercise, and sleep habits. In fact, your gut–the home of your enteric nervous system–engages in bidirec...

How to Identify Narcissistic Friendships & Emotional Vampires Narcissism can infect friendships in silent, toxic ways! Overt narcissists tend to have obviously self-centered traits, and this makes it fairly easy to spot them and keep them at bay. Covert narcissists can be difficult to detect; they can pull you in with subtle, exploitative games. Often termed "vampire friendships," they can lea...

Key Tips for Improving Maternal Mental Health If you're a mom–or know someone who is–you're likely aware of how challenging the journey of motherhood can be. And issues such as medical gaslighting can make matters worse. From fertility problems, miscarriages, and perinatal (prenatal and postpartum) depression to not having a solid support system, many women feel lost, hopeless, and abandoned durin...

Have you experienced a traumatic event in the past--whether in your childhood or adult life? If the answer is "yes," you're surely not alone. Research shows that about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. However, women are actually more likely to develop PTSD. And as a clinical psychologist who has worked with thousands of traumatized individuals,...

If you struggle feeling safe and secure in relationships or face challenges due to chronically unhealthy relationship dynamics, did you know that your attachment style might be at the root of the issues? Your attachment style, whether secure or one of the three types of insecure attachment, has a huge influence on how you perceive and operate in your relationships. In my work as a clinical psychol...

Marriage and other long term relationships can be wonderful, but they can also be tough. It's natural to expect--and even believe--that romantic partnerships should last forever. Yet, in real life, many love relationships fall apart due to factors such as ongoing differences, a lack of connection, betrayal, health issues, or abuse. And, in some cases, a terrible combination of these issues can cau...

From stressful inconveniences to full-on emergencies, life can be pretty tough to navigate. Whether you are single, partnered, childless, or a parent, it's easy to get stuck in doubt and anxiety when serious challenges arise. But what if you had the tools to handle and survive whatever came your way? Wouldn't it be wonderful to have safety without fear, readiness without rigidity, and security wit...

Do you find it tough to maintain healthy eating habits? Do you struggle with excess weight that seems to want to stay on no matter how much you exercise or change your diet? If so, you're surely in solid company. I've found that many people struggle with diet and exercise issues and end up feeling like they are failures because they are broken or have no willpower. This destructive cycle often fos...

Being a parent is never easy. But in today's complicated world, it can be even more difficult to navigate the challenges of parenting. From social media concerns to substance abuse issues, many parents feel as if they and their kids are walking in a minefield that feels like it is getting worse. And as a parent myself, I know how good it feels to have at least a few go-to strategies that can make...

Anxiety lives in our bodies and minds, and its main function is to steer us clear of danger. But in today's chaotic and uncertain world, it's easy for anxiety to grab hold in strange ways and not let go. Many people of all ages are experiencing more anxiety than ever, and this anxiety can easily turn into panic. And if you've been in the clutches of a panic attack, you know it's a deeply terrifyin...

Are you suffering from a lack of sleep, chronic pain, or other issues that keep you from living your best life? Although we want our bodies to run like beautifully, well-oiled machines, daily life takes a toll despite our heartfelt efforts. As a clinical psychologist, I've found that sleep and pain issues are common in nearly every age group – and they often start as early as adolescence. And the...

Do you believe in soul contracts, past lives, manifesting, and the power of divine energy? Do you want to dip your toes into the realm beyond what the rational brain prescribes? As a psychologist and fellow human, I find it interesting to contemplate how we can decrease suffering and ease our human journey in ways that sometimes defy science. When we go beyond the rational mind, an array of window...

Is your self-image suffering? Do you struggle with body shame issues? If you're like many people, you may see yourself through critical eyes that tell you you're not fit enough, thin enough, or as attractive as you'd like to be. From decades of research, I've found that many people of all genders suffer from feelings of low self-esteem and poor self-confidence that are often connected to body sham...

We often experience or hear about eating disorders. We talk about them--often behind closed doors--as if they're something to be ashamed of and ignored. Yet eating disorders--like all mental issues--are complex, highly challenging, and often resistant to change. They deserve our attention. And for anyone who's been mired in an eating disorder or has had a friend or family member struggle with this...

Sex tends to be an important, connective aspect of intimate relationships. But all too often, couples find that they have different sex drives or encounter other sexual issues that leave one or both partners feeling stressed or dissatisfied. This can be especially troublesome when a couple experiences great sex while dating – an indicator that sexual compatibility is high – only to face an inexpli...