Research has shown that for high-functioning people, a therapeutic alliance may be an even greater predictor of therapeutic success than the style of therapy being used. The therapeutic alliance is important for all therapy clients, but it may be especially important for high-functioning people—so let me unpack this for you.
Simone Biles reminds us that mental fitness is vital. Her decision to withdraw from a recent event in the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health was surprising to everyone—and very likely, even the gymnastics superstar herself. As a clinical psychologist, I recognize that this unexpected event spotlights that it can be brave to actually step away, even at moments of high reward. It also highlights the importance of self-care and boundaries—perhaps especially for those who aim high.
I work with countless people who are driven, intelligent and often struggling with perfectionism. Through my experience, I've found it's essential to identify when tolerating some discomfort can support growth versus when it's healthier to take a break. This is important whether we're pushing ourselves physically or mentally.
In fact, many of the best strategies for honing this type of self-awareness can actually apply to physical or mental challenges.
As a clinical psychologist, people often ask me how to "get rid of anxiety." They are usually surprised to learn that anxiety actually has a healthy and essential function: to help stimulate preparation behaviors and provide us with the extra energy we need to carry out those behaviors. A little bit of anxiety can bring adrenaline and focus—which can actually be quite handy when we're in a "go time" situation like taking a test, bringing our A-game during an important presentation, or even getting ready for a first date or job interview. I've come to label this boost as "nervous energy," which can be a gift if we learn how to harness it.
Have you ever felt frustrated that you seem to get hopelessly “head over heels” for unavailable men, yet find yourself hopelessly impervious to the advances of nice guys who are genuinely available and ready for a serious relationship? Would you like to change this pattern so you can finally start enjoying a great relationship and quit wasting time with men who play hot-and-cold with your emotions? Keep reading to see how the science of psychology can come to your rescue!
Learn about ANXIETY for today's #MentalHealthMinute!
Yes! You read the title right! Whether you’re with me on this or not, I’m sure about this— anxiety is not bad after all. Snap out that negative list you have about anxiety. It’s time to look at the other side of the coin— the good thing that comes out from being anxious.
Dr. Chloe talking about REJECTION SENSITIVITY and how to handle your fear of rejection.
Every one of us has our fair share of rejections; some may handle it pretty well, but some people who have a high level of nervousness struggle to overcome it.
When we think of plastic surgery, there can be immediate connotations, positive or negative, that come to our minds: our favorite celebrities, our guilty-pleasure reality TV shows, or even our friends and families who have had procedures. There tends to be an air of negativity around plastic surgery: assumptions about people’s motivations, and judgements about before and after transformations, can make plastic surgery feel like a taboo topic. While this blog focuses on plastic surgery, the same points apply to botox, fillers, and other cosmetic procedures.
As a clinical psychologist, people ask me a lot of questions about mental well-being, both on social media and IRL. I recently invited my Instagram followers to ask me questions through the stories feature, and I received a ton of responses. Here is one recent query that stood out:
Toxic positivity can sound like a confusing phrase at first: after all, positivity is supposed to be positive, right? However, just like even something as innocent and healthy-sounding as jogging can become toxic if taken to an extreme, so can positivity.