Overcoming Performance Anxiety
We all know the feeling of cold, clammy hands and shivers up the spine right before we step out onstage, take a test, or make a speech. Some people find this sensation so difficult to handle that they avoid it as much as possible. They might not try out for a play,...
Introverts, Extroverts, and Social Anxiety
Betty is not shy. Shyness is a fear of social judgment that causes people to withdraw from social settings. When shyness is extreme, we call it social anxiety. Betty isn’t afraid of social situations. She doesn’t fear parties. She just dislikes them. Betty is what we...
LOSING GRACEFULLY
Emma started the discussion in my parenting class with the following story: My daughter and I were playing an exciting game of CandyLand. Her entire four-year-old face was intently focused on the board as she skipped her card across two red spaces. She was very...
The Psychological Quick-Fix Fending off the Blues
“I feel like I’m just in a slump,” says Miriam. “Nothing exciting happened recently. Nothing exciting is going to happen. After the holiday break, we went straight back into school, and it’s like every teacher couldn’t wait to pounce on us with tons of work. It’s just...
Psychology Today Articles
- What the #CookieChallenge Is Doing to Post-Traumatic ParentsThe viral #CookieChallenge may seem harmless, but for trauma survivors, it can awaken old fears and future-trip their parenting. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Maybe You're Not a Gentle Parent—Maybe It's a Trauma ResponseMany parents think they’re practicing gentle parenting, but they’re actually avoiding conflict. Is it a parenting choice—or a trauma response? Here's how to tell.
- The 5-Letter Word Every Parent Needs to UseThe magic word only works if you keep your word. If not, it's a lie.
- Maybe It's Not "Mom Rage." Maybe it's a Trauma ResponseIf you're a parent who experienced trauma and now struggles with "mom rage," you’re not broken or bad. Here's how you can start to heal, break the cycle, and parent with more calm.