The Savvy Psychologist's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Mental Health

Setting boundaries in a relationship sounds formidable, as if it involves barbed wire or palace guards, but actually, boundaries are respectful and healthy. Boundaries need not be approached with a “keep out” sign--it’s just a matter of knowing where you end and another person begins. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen explores how to set boundaries and how to know if yours have been breached. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1SlTC04

In today’s episode, we’ll tackle a challenging issue: why some individuals seem to get into one abusive situation after another. There are as many reasons as there are people involved, but there are also some common themes. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 4 frequent challenges faced by survivors of abuse, plus how you can help. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1SUfp09

Transgender individuals seem to be everywhere these days. From Laverne Cox to Bruce Jenner to Jeffrey Tambor (who isn’t trans, but plays one on TV), the transgender movement is making headlines. But this week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen looks beyond the celebrities and offer some FAQs about everyday trans men and women.

This week, we’ll wrap up our three-part series on toxic habits. Our third toxic habit? Call it overthinking, obsessing, brooding, or wallowing, or, call it the official term: rumination. In this episode of the Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 4 tips to stop the mental hamster wheel. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1KBQ1Xj

Savvy Psychologist welcomes special guest Dr. Lisa Miller, author of the fascinating new book The Spiritual Child, to discuss the importance of fostering spirituality in your child's life.

In Part 2 of the series on surprisingly toxic habits the Savvy Psychologist discusses the 3 reasons why you should avoid avoidance. (Hint: Like ostensibly loose slot machines or helping out a Nigerian prince via email, avoidance promises a big payoff, but actually leaves you worse off than before. Here's why). Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1bBVCBT.

Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen probes your psyche to find out why you're so tired, and gives advice on what you can do about it. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1CsgEZH

We all know (or were) the kid who makes us wish for the invention of a Ritalin blow dart. But is it a good idea to put kids on psychiatric meds? And once they’re on, how long is long enough? The Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen tackles the topic of psychiatric meds that start early and last a lifetime. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1CdIN5I

The latest in empathy research finds that our genes may not be selfish after all. What’s more, good empathy skills make us happier and healthier. (Plus it’s the closest you’ll get to being telepathic). This week, the Savvy Psychologist reveals 6 ways to put more "oomph" in your empathy. Read the transcript here: http://bit.ly/1HcHTxY

Affecting 3-8% of the population, Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is the most common of all the personality disorders. This week, the Savvy Psychologist explains the 8 traits of OCPD.

Who’s your favorite narcissist? Kim? Justin Bieber? The Donald? And who can forget Kanye? Imma let you finish, but first, what exactly makes a narcissist? Savvy Psychologist explains, plus offers 10 tips on how to spot a narcissist. Read the transcript here: http://bit.ly/1Bg8yVQ

Affecting up to 16% of kids, Sensory Processing Disorder is the most common disorder you’ve never heard of. The Savvy Psychologist explains what is SPD and why it's so misunderstood. Plus, answers to 3 big questions about the disorder. Read the transcript here: http://bit.ly/1FGW7Tr

As a follow-up to last week’s episode on how to handle the unintentional but hurtful racism of microaggressions, this week on the Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 6 tips to be anti-racist, including why you shouldn’t claim to be color blind and why white individuals should have a racial identity. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/17kbPJd

Has a comment about race left you thinking “Did that just happen?” These incidents of microaggression can be painful and confusing. Savvy Psychologist has 6 tips to deal with racist comments or actions. Visit the website: http://bit.ly/1DpCZKI

At night, you can’t sleep. In the morning, you can’t wake up. Sound familiar? Get back on track with 5 myths and facts about sleep and insomnia from Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/193gcJA