Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist (2024)

Table of Contents
25 Statements that Portend Intimate Partner Violence The Bad Advice of "Always Be Useful" How to Make Sense of a Relationship Betrayal AI Finds Astonishing Male/Female Differences in Human Brain The Latest Dying in Silence, Living Through Laughter Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Love Life? When It's Over Melville, "Moby Dick," and Worldwide Authoritarianism Leadership Is About More than Giving Orders 2 Netflix Shows With Spot-On Mental Health Representation The Future of Sex Why Disagreement Is a Stubborn Enemy of Listening Why Personal Growth Is Not Selfish Neurodiversity on Campus: Are Colleges Affirming? “Be Strong!”: What Not to Say to a Grieving Person Do Doctors and Patients Understand Uncertainty in the Same Way? What Can We Do to Improve Concert Goers’s Experience? The Shift from Analog to Digital to Cognitive Why We Like Cryptic Word Puzzles The Wisdom of Resentment: From Toxic to Tonic 7 Ways to Manage Crisis Calls From a Struggling Adult Child What I Learned From Missing the Solar Eclipse Autistic Youth Deserve Freedom from Abuse 5 Ways to Find Focus in the Age of Distractions 5 Factors in Finding Passion in Your Career Recommended Standard Care for People With Suicide Risk Can You Use Your Phone While Feeding Your Baby? Visualize Your Perfect Day to Make It Come True Discover Your Evil Side A Field Guide to Life's Big Lessons, Indian Style Addressing Common Errors New EFT Relational Therapists Make Weight Loss Drugs Make People Feel Good—and Bad Toxic Motivation: Recognize and Recover From the Cycle FAQs
Today’s Essentials Today’s Essential Reads

Domestic Violence

25 Statements that Portend Intimate Partner Violence

Cheralyn Leeby Ph.D., LMFT on May 26, 2024 in Consciously Creating Your Soul Life

Intimate partner violence affects millions worldwide and many survivors suffer in silence. There are common phrases, as red flags and indications of current or future abuse.

Intimate partner violence affects millions worldwide and many survivors suffer in silence. There are common phrases, as red flags and indications of current or future abuse.

Perfectionism

The Bad Advice of "Always Be Useful"

Leon Garber LMHC on May 25, 2024 in Perfectionism

Being useful isn't always good and can, sometimes, backfire. Perfectionists often struggle to deeply connect with others due to their preoccupations with their standards.

Being useful isn't always good and can, sometimes, backfire. Perfectionists often struggle to deeply connect with others due to their preoccupations with their standards.

Relationships

How to Make Sense of a Relationship Betrayal

Susan Krauss Whitbourne PhD, ABPP on May 25, 2024 in Fulfillment at Any Age

Being lied to or exploited by someone close to you can be an unnerving experience. New research unpacks the emotions of the betrayer, showing who you can and cannot trust.

Being lied to or exploited by someone close to you can be an unnerving experience. New research unpacks the emotions of the betrayer, showing who you can and cannot trust.

Gender

AI Finds Astonishing Male/Female Differences in Human Brain

Leonard Sax M.D., Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Sax on Sex

Stanford neuroscientists document large male/female differences in brain connectivity.

Stanford neuroscientists document large male/female differences in brain connectivity.

News

New Research Finds That a Parent's Presence Really Matters 1 day

Don't Let Your Comfort Zone Be a Barrier 2 days

Are Your Decisions Based on Impulse or Reason? 2 days

9 Science-Based Techniques to Become Happier 2 days

The Latest

Laughter

Dying in Silence, Living Through Laughter

Michele DeMarco Ph.D., Rev on May 26, 2024 in Soul Console

Research shows that humor increases connectedness, hope, identity, and empowerment.

Research shows that humor increases connectedness, hope, identity, and empowerment.

Relationships

Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Love Life?

Lindsay Weisner Psy.D. on May 26, 2024 in The Venn Diagram Life

Has your relationship run its course, or are you just running away from committment?

Has your relationship run its course, or are you just running away from committment?

Fear

When It's Over

Monica Vermani C. Psych. on May 26, 2024 in A Deeper Wellness

Breaking up is hard to do, and how you manage your emotions, interactions, and thoughts in the aftermath of a breakup can make moving forward less challenging.

Breaking up is hard to do, and how you manage your emotions, interactions, and thoughts in the aftermath of a breakup can make moving forward less challenging.

Ethics and Morality

Melville, "Moby Dick," and Worldwide Authoritarianism

Dennis M. Clausen Ph.D. on May 26, 2024 in Small Town, USA

Herman Melville's novel "Moby Dick" illustrates the dangers of worldwide authoritarianism. However, Melville was an exceedingly perceptive observer of the the patterns of history.

Herman Melville's novel "Moby Dick" illustrates the dangers of worldwide authoritarianism. However, Melville was an exceedingly perceptive observer of the the patterns of history.

Leadership

Leadership Is About More than Giving Orders

Ahron Friedberg M.D. on May 26, 2024 in Resilience

To lead you have to work within the rules.

To lead you have to work within the rules.

Grief

2 Netflix Shows With Spot-On Mental Health Representation

Mark Travers Ph.D. on May 26, 2024 in Social Instincts

These two must-see Netflix shows brilliantly portray psychological concepts.

These two must-see Netflix shows brilliantly portray psychological concepts.

Sex

The Future of Sex

Marianne Brandon Ph.D. on May 26, 2024 in The Future of Intimacy

Adolescents and the more vulnerable among us may need help in metabolizing increasingly potent and accessible artificial lovers.

Adolescents and the more vulnerable among us may need help in metabolizing increasingly potent and accessible artificial lovers.

Positive Psychology

Why Disagreement Is a Stubborn Enemy of Listening

Guy Itzchakov Ph.D. on May 26, 2024 in The Listening Lens

A family dinner argument left me frustrated yet reflective. Discover how improving our listening skills can make our disagreements more constructive, and strengthen relationships.

A family dinner argument left me frustrated yet reflective. Discover how improving our listening skills can make our disagreements more constructive, and strengthen relationships.

Self-Help

Why Personal Growth Is Not Selfish

Stephen Joseph Ph.D. on May 26, 2024 in What Doesn't Kill Us

By making ourselves matter, we are making others matter.

By making ourselves matter, we are making others matter.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity on Campus: Are Colleges Affirming?

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on May 26, 2024 in Beyond Mental Health

Neurodiversity has become a buzzword on college campuses as more and more students and faculty identify as neurodivergent. How are colleges meeting this need?

Neurodiversity has become a buzzword on college campuses as more and more students and faculty identify as neurodivergent. How are colleges meeting this need?

Grief

“Be Strong!”: What Not to Say to a Grieving Person

Tamara Goldsby Ph.D. on May 26, 2024 in Less Stress, More Peace

You don’t need to “Be Strong” when you’re grieving but reach out to others for support. If the grief gets too much, consider talking to a counselor.

You don’t need to “Be Strong” when you’re grieving but reach out to others for support. If the grief gets too much, consider talking to a counselor.

Trust

Do Doctors and Patients Understand Uncertainty in the Same Way?

Sara Gorman, Ph.D., MPH, and Jack M. Gorman, MD on May 26, 2024 in Denying to the Grave

Do frank conversations between healthcare professionals and patients about medical uncertainty improve trust? There's still a lot we don't know.

Do frank conversations between healthcare professionals and patients about medical uncertainty improve trust? There's still a lot we don't know.

Education

What Can We Do to Improve Concert Goers’s Experience?

Lu Wang Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Music Is Number in Space

Can new technology help classical music appeal to a broad contemporary audience?

Can new technology help classical music appeal to a broad contemporary audience?

Artificial Intelligence

The Shift from Analog to Digital to Cognitive

John Nosta on May 25, 2024 in The Digital Self

As AI and LLMs usher in The Cognitive Age, humanity faces an existential question: will our own cognition become obsolete, or will we evolve alongside our digital partners?

As AI and LLMs usher in The Cognitive Age, humanity faces an existential question: will our own cognition become obsolete, or will we evolve alongside our digital partners?

Creativity

Why We Like Cryptic Word Puzzles

Marcel Danesi Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Brain Workout

The clues used for creating cryptic crosswords constitute in themselves a genre of word puzzles. Solving these invariably produces a sense of pleasure that is exceptional.

The clues used for creating cryptic crosswords constitute in themselves a genre of word puzzles. Solving these invariably produces a sense of pleasure that is exceptional.

FeatureThe Search for Meaning Why Our Brains Are Built to Search

Wisdom

The Wisdom of Resentment: From Toxic to Tonic

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Being Awake Better

Resentment is often labeled as a toxic feeling. However, trusting the inherent wisdom of our emotions can guide us toward healing and growth.

Resentment is often labeled as a toxic feeling. However, trusting the inherent wisdom of our emotions can guide us toward healing and growth.

Parenting

7 Ways to Manage Crisis Calls From a Struggling Adult Child

Jeffrey Bernstein Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Liking the Child You Love

When your phone buzzes with the familiar number of your adult child in distress, navigating the conversation can feel like walking a tightrope. Here's how to keep your balance.

When your phone buzzes with the familiar number of your adult child in distress, navigating the conversation can feel like walking a tightrope. Here's how to keep your balance.

Self-Talk

What I Learned From Missing the Solar Eclipse

Nadja Halilbegovich on May 25, 2024 in From Surviving to Thriving

My disappointment taught me the value of radical acceptance and that our inner narratives define our experience.

My disappointment taught me the value of radical acceptance and that our inner narratives define our experience.

Autism

Autistic Youth Deserve Freedom from Abuse

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on May 25, 2024 in Beyond Mental Health

Autistic youth are more than twice as likely to experience abuse than their neurotypical counterparts. How can systems better serve these families?

Autistic youth are more than twice as likely to experience abuse than their neurotypical counterparts. How can systems better serve these families?

Mindfulness

5 Ways to Find Focus in the Age of Distractions

Anita Owusu MSW, RSW on May 25, 2024 in Your Inner World

Master the art of presence and single-tasking to combat overwhelm, reclaim focus, and rediscover the joy of being fully present in every moment.

Master the art of presence and single-tasking to combat overwhelm, reclaim focus, and rediscover the joy of being fully present in every moment.

Career

5 Factors in Finding Passion in Your Career

Ran D. Anbar M.D. on May 25, 2024 in Understanding Hypnosis

Keys to finding one’s passion include patience, willingness to explore many new experiences, and engaging in activities that allow you to joyfully express your life values.

Keys to finding one’s passion include patience, willingness to explore many new experiences, and engaging in activities that allow you to joyfully express your life values.

Suicide

Recommended Standard Care for People With Suicide Risk

David A. Jobes Ph.D., ABPP on May 25, 2024 in The Psychology of Life

Survey research of hospitals shows a failure to use common sense evidence-based approaches for suicidal risk while proven psychological approaches for suicidality are rarely used.

Survey research of hospitals shows a failure to use common sense evidence-based approaches for suicidal risk while proven psychological approaches for suicidality are rarely used.

Parenting

Can You Use Your Phone While Feeding Your Baby?

Corinne Masur Psy.D. on May 25, 2024 in Parenting Matters

Looking at your phone while you are with your baby, your young child, or even your teenager deprives them of the time you'd spend together in the present.

Looking at your phone while you are with your baby, your young child, or even your teenager deprives them of the time you'd spend together in the present.

Self-Help

Visualize Your Perfect Day to Make It Come True

Susanna Newsonen on May 25, 2024 in The Path to Passionate Happiness

What could you do tomorrow or this weekend to bringyourperfect day into your reality?

What could you do tomorrow or this weekend to bringyourperfect day into your reality?

Ethics and Morality

Discover Your Evil Side

Rafa Euba on May 25, 2024 in You Are Not Meant To Be Happy

Ordinary people may behave cruelly in exceptional circ*mstances

Ordinary people may behave cruelly in exceptional circ*mstances

Relationships

A Field Guide to Life's Big Lessons, Indian Style

Rahul Bhandari on May 25, 2024 in Turning Adversity into Advantage

Dive into Indian wisdom with quirky phrases that offer life lessons in action, communication, and self-acceptance!

Dive into Indian wisdom with quirky phrases that offer life lessons in action, communication, and self-acceptance!

Therapy

Addressing Common Errors New EFT Relational Therapists Make

Jason N. Linder, PsyD on May 24, 2024 in Relationship and Trauma Insights

Feeling stuck with a case as an emotionally focused therapist? Here are five lessons from a supervisor's perspective to help you work smarter, not harder.

Feeling stuck with a case as an emotionally focused therapist? Here are five lessons from a supervisor's perspective to help you work smarter, not harder.

Health

Weight Loss Drugs Make People Feel Good—and Bad

Alexandra Brewis and Emily Mendenhall Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Diagnosis: Human

Weight loss drugs are transforming many people physically. But how we feel about them is an important side effect.

Weight loss drugs are transforming many people physically. But how we feel about them is an important side effect.

Motivation

Toxic Motivation: Recognize and Recover From the Cycle

Jake Breeden on May 24, 2024 in Detoxing Management

Toxic workplace tactics like threats and sacrifice may boost short-term productivity, but at a severe human cost.

Toxic workplace tactics like threats and sacrifice may boost short-term productivity, but at a severe human cost.

Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist (2024)

FAQs

Is psychology today a reliable source to find a therapist? ›

The directory is much more than a list of therapists in your area, as it offers therapist recommendations tailored to your specific needs and preferences, and has become the leading website to find therapists in the world.

What therapy is used to increase happiness? ›

Mindfulness strategies can encourage one's appreciation of moments that evoke happiness and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed with negative emotions brought on by unfavorable occurrences. By teaching mindfulness skills, therapy can help a person create more happiness in their life.

How do I find a therapist I click with? ›

A quick look at our 8 tips for finding a therapist
  1. Define your goals.
  2. Consider your insurance and finances.
  3. Referrals from people you trust.
  4. Search through local resources.
  5. Use trusted online databases.
  6. Research national organizations.
  7. Ask your therapist questions.
  8. Trust your gut.

Do I need therapy if I'm happy? ›

It's crucial to understand that therapy isn't only about dealing with problems. It's also about maintaining and improving your well-being, even if you're already happy. The pursuit of happiness and mental health go hand in hand. Therapy can be a valuable tool to help you achieve and maintain that state of well-being.

How accurate is psychology today? ›

The magazine is not peer-reviewed, but all expert author content is reviewed, edited, and fact-checked for accuracy and objectivity by the publication's editorial staff. Psychology Today features contributors with various academic expertise in psychology-related fields.

Why is it hard to find a good therapist? ›

What works for one individual may not work for another. This diversity makes it challenging to find a therapist who is the right fit. Factors such as the therapist's specialization, treatment approach, personality, and even their communication style play a significant role in the therapeutic relationship.

What are the 3 techniques to staying happy? ›

How to be happier
  • Manage your stress levels. If you have a lot of stress in your life, find ways to reduce it, such as learning a few time-management techniques. ...
  • Enjoy yourself. ...
  • Boost your self-esteem. ...
  • Have a healthy lifestyle. ...
  • Talk and share. ...
  • Build your resilience.

What is the best medication to make you happy? ›

Relief from depression and anxiety: Antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. They work by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness or worry.

What actually increases happiness? ›

Some strategies for increasing happiness in your life:

Count your blessings and practice gratitude. Take time to engage in random acts of kindness. Respond actively and constructively, celebrating when others share good news with you. Attend to others mindfully, and practice compassion and empathy.

How to tell if a therapist is good fit? ›

Signs Your Therapist is Good For You
  1. They actually listen to you. ...
  2. You feel validated. ...
  3. They want what's best for you. ...
  4. They're a strong communicator. ...
  5. They check in with you. ...
  6. They take the time to educate themselves. ...
  7. You view them as an ally. ...
  8. They earn your trust.
Sep 30, 2020

What's the difference between a therapist and a counselor? ›

Counselors tend to work with life challenges on a more short-term basis, while therapists are more likely to treat mental health conditions on an ongoing basis. Psychologists are trained in the theory and practice of mental illness and are more likely to treat serious mental health disorders.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist? ›

Some psychologists only conduct research rather than providing therapy, whereas all therapists and counselors provide some type of therapy to their clients. Licenced therapists or counselors have education and training in a field relevant to psychotherapy.

What if I just can't be happy? ›

The feeling that nothing makes you happy can be temporary or it can be associated with a serious mental health condition like major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you're feeling this way, it's important to acknowledge and address your feelings so you can start to feel better.

When to stop seeing therapists? ›

Generally speaking, there are three scenarios where patients look to end psychotherapy: 1) when a patient finds their treatment is ineffective; 2) when there are “red flags” to suggest that the therapist is not or is no longer a good fit; and 3) when a patient has made desired progress toward their goals and feels they ...

Should happy people go to therapy? ›

But they still had social or emotional goals that they wanted support working on. They just had this question of, should you go to therapy if you are happy or if you're even remotely doing ok. The good news is that yes, you should.

Is Psychology Today considered a scholarly source? ›

Peer-reviewed journal articles have gone through an extra level of oversight by fellow experts in the field to review accuracy and the use of proper research methods. Psychology Today would not be considered a scholarly journal and it is not peer reviewed.

What is the most reliable psychology website? ›

BEST PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITES YOU MUST FOLLOW TODAY
  • American Psychological Association (APA) ...
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) ...
  • Psychology Today. ...
  • Verywell mind. ...
  • PsychCentral. ...
  • PositivePsychology. ...
  • Online MFT Programs.

Is choosing therapy a reliable source? ›

Each article draws on their expertise and firsthand experience. ChoosingTherapy.com is a trusted source of information on mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, parenting, and more.

Is a Psychology Today profile worth it? ›

“The site has invested heavily in SEO and Google Ads, so it's easy for people to find you when they search online,” says Jenn Fredette, a therapist who works as a marketing consultant. Your Psychology Today profile also helps people take steps to connect with you if they feel you're the right fit.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 5845

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.