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A Headshrinker's Guide to the Galaxy

Psychoanalytic wisdom for everyday life

Embarrassment
Lessons From Machu Picchu

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on December 22, 2020

Peak experiences are reached through training with boots on the ground, hands in the dirt, and minds engaged in overcoming challenges as they arise.

Peak experiences are reached through training with boots on the ground, hands in the dirt, and minds engaged in overcoming challenges as they arise.

Relationships
How to Become More Capable

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on September 23, 2020

Do you want to manage life's challenges more effectively? Here is some practical guidance to strengthen your sense of being capable.

Do you want to manage life's challenges more effectively? Here is some practical guidance to strengthen your sense of being capable.

Trauma
Be Where Your Feet Are

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on June 25, 2020

Where do you look when you are lost in life, fearful and uncertain about the future? Consider this as your North Star: Be where your feet are.

Where do you look when you are lost in life, fearful and uncertain about the future? Consider this as your North Star: Be where your feet are.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
How to Manage Gracefully in the New Normal

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on April 17, 2020

Are you feeling weary of the anxiety, grief, frustration, and helplessness of the COVID-19 pandemic? Some simple guidance could help ground and keep you sane in the months ahead.

Are you feeling weary of the anxiety, grief, frustration, and helplessness of the COVID-19 pandemic? Some simple guidance could help ground and keep you sane in the months ahead.

Psychoanalysis
Clearing Out Weeds and Nurturing Buds of Change

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on May 4, 2017

If we really want to change, we must work to clear the weeds that get in the way of our mental health and nurture the innate strengths that are there. A balanced approach is key.

If we really want to change, we must work to clear the weeds that get in the way of our mental health and nurture the innate strengths that are there. A balanced approach is key.

Anxiety
Do You Worry?

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on March 17, 2017

Worry is an ordinary part of human experience: a protection from danger, a sign that we care, and a struggle to face the inevitable uncertainties of life.

Worry is an ordinary part of human experience: a protection from danger, a sign that we care, and a struggle to face the inevitable uncertainties of life.

Fear
Progress and the Human Psyche

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on December 14, 2016

Here is a question for you: which force will be in the driver’s seat of your heart, your mind, and your society? Entropy, homeostasis, or progress?

Here is a question for you: which force will be in the driver’s seat of your heart, your mind, and your society? Entropy, homeostasis, or progress?

Jealousy
The Antidote to Envy

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on September 21, 2016

Envy tells us that someone, somewhere has it all—but it just isn’t true. The best we can do is be thankful for what we have and try to do something useful with it.

Envy tells us that someone, somewhere has it all—but it just isn’t true. The best we can do is be thankful for what we have and try to do something useful with it.

Pessimism
The Cost of Cynicism

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on August 4, 2016

President Obama has challenged us “to reject cynicism and to reject fear, and to summon what is best in us…” It may be the biggest choice we ever make.

President Obama has challenged us “to reject cynicism and to reject fear, and to summon what is best in us…” It may be the biggest choice we ever make.

Psychoanalysis
The Vulnerability Revolution

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on April 13, 2016

If we want to develop security, peace of mind, worthiness and meaning in life, we would do well to join the vulnerability revolution.

If we want to develop security, peace of mind, worthiness and meaning in life, we would do well to join the vulnerability revolution.

Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis as Core Training

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on March 23, 2016

When a person has a strong core, you’ll see it in how they live their lives: with more patience, tolerance, self-control, courage, creativity, openness, and love.

When a person has a strong core, you’ll see it in how they live their lives: with more patience, tolerance, self-control, courage, creativity, openness, and love.