I write for several mental health and psychology journals and blogs. Every month, I field questions that may be relevant to several people and their interests. Recently, I was asked…
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Blog
ADHD and social injustice
A common theme these past few weeks with clients has been a tendency to hyperfocus on social media, especially Twitter. Therapeutically, cutting back on social media as a mental health…
General
On intrusive thoughts
A landmark study by psychologist Daniel Wegner found that research participants ironically experienced a surge of intrusive thoughts, known as a rebound effect, when asked not to think about a…
anxiety
How to reduce anxiety on the go: strategies that work
An important question I am often asked is how to reduce anxiety away from home and without a scheduled therapy session. I have always held the stance that psychotherapy (and…
anxiety
On anticipation as habit: dopamine and desire
Intermittent reinforcement is a schedule of rewards for certain behaviors or responses but without any predictable pattern. In other words, the reward comes periodically, not every time it’s performed. It’s…
General
On Vulnerable Communication: Timing and Dosage
From the couples and family therapy files at Embolden Psychology The amygdala (my nickname for this area of the brain is Amy) is the part of the brain that is…
couples therapy
Personal mantras and mental health
Mantras are ancient, energizing sounds that help uplift mood and the stress or suffering (Dukkha) of the everyday. ‘Mana’ in Hindi translates to mind; a mantra is what takes you…
strategies for self-care
12 Facts About Depression and South Asian Mental Health
South Asia is a broad region that includes close to 2 billion people. Encompassing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, South Asia is huge. South…
depressionGeneralsuicide awareness
Talking about Trauma
Should you talk to your parent about your trauma? Talking to your parents about your trauma can be a difficult decision. You may be hesitant to tell them because you’re…
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Dogs and Stress
We’ve known for a while that dogs can be trained to sniff out seizures, infections, diabetes, extremely elevated blood pressure, and sometimes even cancer. Therapy dogs and service dogs can…
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