“An empathic response is restrained, largely silent; following, not leading, it encourages the speaker to go deeper into his or her experience.” Empathy does not mean, as we often think, “worrying about, praising, cheering up, gushing, consoling, or even encouraging. It means understanding.” (Nichols, 2009, p. 84) There are so … Read More
Cognitive Neuroscience Part 4: Teaching an old dog new tricks
Twenty years ago, most physicians, psychologists and researchers believed that the human brain stopped developing after a certain age. The brain could grow and change during childhood or adolescence, but not adulthood. On the surface, this makes sense. It is sometimes difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. However, most … Read More
Making Friends Post-College
Your college years are often an intense, shared experience where you are flooded with peers in the same life-cycle stage, everyone is in a new place, and most people are open to meeting new people and forming new relationships. Bonds are forged over being away from home for the first … Read More
Cognitive Neuroscience Part 3: Scientific Proof that People Can Change
Can people change? It’s a loaded question. If affects our views on philosophy, religion, psychology, sociology and biology – just to name a few. What if I told you there was scientific research that strongly suggests that the answer is yes? Think about that for a second. Think about the … Read More
Self-Care Part 3: Some Ideas to Get You Started
In part one of this short series we defined what self-care is and why it is important. In part two, we talked about the difference between self-care and zoning out. But if spending two hours scrolling through my Instagram feed doesn’t qualify as self-care, then what does? The best place … Read More
Cognitive Neuroscience Part 2: The Brain vs. The Mind
Over the next few posts, we’re going to talk about an emerging field of study called cognitive neuroscience. But don’t worry. We’re going to leave (most of) the 7-syllable words to the textbooks and wikipedia entries. Instead, we’re going to focus on the practical applications of this science on our … Read More
Reacting or Responding?
As I was reading recently, I came across a quote in Melody Beattie’s book Codependent No More that really spoke to me. “We jump into the first feeling that comes our way and then wallow in it…we are reacting without thinking. When we react we forfeit our personal, God-given power … Read More
Self Care vs Zoning Out – Part 2
We have more access to more information and media content than any other generation in human history. Sometimes this access is helpful. It helps us cure cancer, operate more efficiently and stay in touch with family and friends all over the planet. Other times, the sheer amount of information at … Read More
Is This Anxiety? Part 2
Anxiety can be overwhelming and feel as though it has taken over your life. Training your body and brain to relax is not an easy process, but with the help of supportive family, a counselor, and close friends you can learn to challenge illogical thought processes, relax physically, and start … Read More
Comparison: The Joy Thief
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” These six words are often attributed to President Theodore Roosevelt, and while there may not be any historical proof that he actually said them, the message itself has been proven time and time again. Think about all the times you’ve seen the online version … Read More