Aging gracefully has become a more nuanced concept with the work of pioneering geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Gene Cohen. Known for his research on creativity, wisdom, and growth throughout the aging process,

Dr. Cohen offered groundbreaking insights into how our cognitive abilities evolve as we age. His work emphasizes that aging isn't merely a process of physical decline; rather, it can be a time of profound wisdom growth, creativity, and personal expansion.

There’s something truly wonderful about a story that leaves room for interpretation—a narrative that doesn’t hammer its meaning into us but instead invites us to wander around and discover for ourselves.

This approach, often called “narrative openness,” is like a choose-your-own-adventure for adults, minus the treacherous caves and pirate maps (though those would be fun too).

But narrative openness isn’t just a stylistic choice in storytelling; it’s also a quality that enriches our lives in subtle, surprising ways. So let’s dig into why leaving room for possibility in our stories, and in our lives, can bring both pleasure and consolation.

Life can sometimes feel like it’s hit a standstill.

Maybe you’ve reached a point where the future feels like a closed book, or maybe you’ve struggled with feeling unrecognized, like others don’t see the potential you know is there.

These experiences can feel isolating, but they’re also surprisingly common—and there are names for them. Two concepts that capture these feelings are narrative foreclosure and covert narcissism, and they both reveal a lot about how we understand ourselves and our stories.

Add the influence of cultural narcissism—our society’s fixation on external success and validation—and it’s easy to see why many people feel disconnected from their own sense of purpose.

Let’s explore these ideas, looking at how they impact us, how they’re shaped by our culture, and ways to reconnect with ourselves in a meaningful, fulfilling way.

The 4B women’s movement, known as 4B 운동 in Korean, stands for four “no’s” that guide its philosophy: no dating (연애), no sex (섹스), no marriage (결혼), and no childbirth (출산).

This movement is a radical and deliberate choice by South Korean women to reject traditional expectations and cultural norms around gender, family, and romantic relationships.

In the midst of a world unraveling under the weight of war, loss, and estrangement, one phrase captures the essence of unyielding human hope: “keep the home fires burning.”

This simple yet profound exhortation has echoed through generations, carrying with it a legacy of warmth, persistence, and a quiet defiance in the face of terror.

To truly understand its impact, we must peel back the layers of its origin and explore what it reveals about the American spirit of intimacy and resilience—a spirit that endures even when marinated in uncertainty and fear.

Emotions—our lifelong companions—often steer our thoughts, behaviors, and responses in ways that can feel as overwhelming as they are profound.

Happiness and joy are celebrated for their uplifting, motivational effects, while sadness and fear are typically dismissed as unwanted houseguests we’re eager to usher out.

However, new research published in Cognition & Emotion is shaking up this narrative, showing that sadness and fear may actually play an important role in enhancing self-control.

The United States is heading into an election season unlike any other, and that’s saying something.

The past few years have conditioned Americans to expect a certain amount of chaos—political clashes, cultural upheavals, and economic uncertainties have become as routine as morning coffee.

But 2024 promises not just the storm, but the tempest.

And regardless of who wins, the outcome is likely to bring with it the most significant mental health crisis the nation has ever seen.

If that sounds dramatic, it’s because it is. And it should be.

Americans are already grappling with escalating rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, fueled by political polarization and socio-economic strains. Now, we’re heading into an election that feels like a pressure cooker set to explode.

The irony? No matter which side of the aisle you're on, you're probably already pre-disappointed with the outcome.

Political bias – every American’s favorite blind spot.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get juicier, new research says ideological bias is like a messy breakup: it gets way worse when you’re not the one calling the shots.

Turns out, when your political team isn’t in power, your dislike for “the other side” heats up faster than Thanksgiving leftovers.

So, are conservatives or progressives more biased?

According to this study, it’s not that simple. The real answer: It all depends on who’s currently in power.

As a couples therapist, I often see parallels between the challenges faced by my clients and those encountered by athletes on their journey to success.

This post explores the unique experiences of athletes—categorized as "Super Champions," "Champions," and "Almosts"—as they navigate the winding path to the top of their sports.

Understanding these differences offers insight into the resilience, psychological fortitude, and mindset that can make or break success, whether on the playing field or in relationships.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a unique type of trauma that results from prolonged exposure to situations like childhood neglect, emotional abuse, or chaotic environments.

Peter Walker, a renowned psychotherapist and author, has become a leading voice in understanding and healing C-PTSD. His work sheds light on the deeply ingrained emotional struggles faced by those who endure chronic trauma, such as the abandonment melange, toxic shame, and emotional flashbacks.

In this post, we’ll delve into Walker’s core concepts, exploring how they can help people recognize, understand, and recover from the effects of C-PTSD.

When childhood feels more like survival mode than playtime, some important life lessons can slip through the cracks.

Think of it as missing key broadcasts while you were tuned into a static-filled station. But don’t worry—if you missed these life-changing messages before, it’s never too late to catch them now.

Here’s a look at 10 crucial lessons that might have gotten lost due to childhood trauma.

A fascinating new study published in Translational Psychiatry explores how childhood maltreatment affects how close or distant people prefer to be in social settings.

Conducted by an international team of researchers, the study revealed that folks who experienced maltreatment as children tend to keep more physical space between themselves and others, including both friends and strangers.

It’s the first time research of this kind has shown that early trauma impacts personal space preferences across such a wide range of cultures. Let’s break down what this means and why it’s important.