Psychology
I’m a psychologist who studies couples. Here’s the No. 1 thing that keeps relationships strong—more than love
Ask anyone what they think keeps a relationship strong, and they will probably tell you it’s love. There’s some truth to that: love is what draws us together in the first place. But after years of studying couples as a psychologist, and as a husband, I’ve realized something that research keeps confirming: The real factor […]
Read More
Stop asking ‘How was school today?’ To raise successful, mentally strong kids, ask these 7 questions instead
“My child won’t tell me anything about their day!” It’s a common concern I hear from parents in my psychotherapy office. They’re hoping to gain a glimpse into their child’s world. But asking “How was school today?” usually leads to a one-word answer. As a therapist and the author of “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents […]
Read More
I’ve studied over 200 kids—these 7 ‘magic phrases’ can calm any tantrum instantly
When your kid is in the middle of a tantrum, logic and lectures don’t work. I’ve studied over 200 kids and worked with hundreds of families, and one thing is clear: Tantrums aren’t about defiance. Research shows that during emotional overwhelm, a child’s prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and language) essentially goes […]
Read More
At-risk teens and AI chatbot crisis: ‘You need to know what’s going on,’ warns Talkspace CEO
Talkspace has grown to be one of the largest online therapy platforms in the U.S., covering an estimated market of 200 million Americans. As the mental health platform has grown, it has also pioneered new ways to reach people in need of help with mental health issues including trauma, depression, addiction, abuse and relationships, and […]
Read More
I’m a psychologist who studies couples—here’s the No. 1 thing people fight about in relationships
When people ask me what couples fight about the most, they expect the usual suspects like money, sex or parenting. But after years of research, and from real-life experience in my own marriage, the answer is much simpler: tone of voice. That’s right. It’s not the dishes in the sink or the unpaid credit card […]
Read More
I’ve studied over 200 kids—the ones with ‘exceptional’ social skills have parents who do 9 things early on
Many parents think kids develop strong social skills from memorizing phrases like “please” and “thank you.” But the real foundation is built much earlier, at home and through everyday interactions. I’ve studied over 200 parent-child relationships, and I’m a mother myself. I’ve found that kids learn to communicate and connect by watching how their parents behave. […]
Read More
Working smarter, not harder: AI could help fight burnout — but is it?
Burnout shows up as feeling constantly exhausted, emotionally checked out from work, and struggling to get things done effectively. Delmaine Donson | E+ | Getty Images Burnout is a growing concern across industries, but artificial intelligence is quietly changing the game. Recognized by the World Health Organization as an “occupational phenomenon,” burnout is more than […]
Read More
I’m a psychologist who studies couples: People in the happiest relationships talk about 5 things every day—that most neglect
One of the most common myths about long-term relationships is that couples eventually run out of things to say. It’s easy to believe: Life gets busy, routines take over and conversations become more about logistics than connection. As a psychologist who studies couples, and based on my own experience being happily married, I know how […]
Read More
Ivy League-trained psychologist: These 3 ‘very powerful’ steps will build your emotional endurance
Being recognized as a resilient person feels great. Weathering the tough moments that build resilience is less glamorous. Developing emotional endurance, or the ability to withstand stress or discomfort without letting negative emotions overtake you, can help that process feel less grueling and more like an opportunity to learn and grow, Columbia University-trained psychologist Becky […]
Read More
I’ve studied over 200 kids—parents who are ‘really good’ at handling tantrums use 7 ‘calming’ phrases
Every parent knows what it’s like to face tantrums, meltdowns, and emotional outbursts. They can make everyday life feel impossible. But after years of studying over 200 parent-child relationships (and from practicing healthy habits with my own child), I’ve found that parents who are really good at handling tantrums use language that soothes, validates, and guides. They […]
Read More