Off the Couch

Thoughts about the therapeutic process, and the dynamics of client-therapist interactions.

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W.

11 Ways to Function Better When You're Stressed

Feeling anxious, irritable, and unhappy? Research shows that self-soothing can improve your mood and your functioning at home and at work.

It's Hard to Admit Mistakes: Here's Why You Should Anyway

Mistakes are part of life. Research explains why it's important to acknowledge them. Seven rules tell you how.

Curiosity Can Help You Cope With Uncertainty

We are born with an innate curiosity. This inborn desire to learn can help in times of uncertainty and doubt.

To Fight Loneliness, Research Says to Turn to Wisdom

Even before the pandemic, loneliness had become a growing concern around the world. Researchers tell us that wisdom can help fight it.

5 Business Skills That Can Improve Your Relationship

Relationship troubles? Surprising techniques from business can help solve difficulties in your personal relationships.

Frustrated That You’re Not Achieving Your New Year's Goals?

Whether it’s exercise or writing or studying or even calling a friend, it seems harder than ever to get going during this pandemic.

7 Ways to Get to Sleep, Stay Asleep, and Get Back to Sleep

COVID-19 has created an epidemic of sleeplessness. Here are 7 ideas from sleep experts to help you deal with wakeful nights.

What Is "Coronasomnia?"

A sleep specialist confirms what you probably already know: "With COVID-19, we recognize that there is now an epidemic of sleep problems."

What If Your Partner Is Unfaithful?

More couples may be having affairs during the pandemic. What does it mean? And what should we do to protect our own relationships?

Christmas Blues During the Pandemic

For many, the holiday season this year is looking bleak and sad, even though vaccines for COVID will likely be available fairly soon. Why are we having such a hard time?

7 Rules of Friendship Can Improve Your Romantic Relationship

With the pandemic spiking and couples together 24/7, tensions are rising and relationships are shaky.

A Possible "Double Whammy" of Depression and Lockdown Ahead

The weather and the pandemic may fuel depression this winter. Here's what you can do to prepare.

For Singles: Sex, Dating, and Intimacy During the Pandemic

How do you date during the pandemic? What about sex and intimacy? Here's what the experts say.

The Pros and Cons of Being Organized (Yes, There are Cons)

To organize or not to organize? Research shows that there are complicated benefits—and problems—with both behaviors.

Pandemic Daydreams

Are you daydreaming your way through the pandemic? These daytime dreams can be more productive than you think.

What If Problem Behaviors Served an Important Purpose?

Two important ideas can help you negotiate problematic behaviors.

7 Ways Not to Win an Argument With Your Partner

Is COVID-19 damaging your relationship? Are you arguing more? Is your sex life diminished—or non-existent? A small shift can make a big difference.

COVID Stress Can Rev Up Frustration: 8 Ways to Downshift

Chronic stress can lead to anger, irritability as well as feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Here are eight ways to de-stress for improved mental and physical health.

Why Is Decision-Making So Hard During a Pandemic?

Having a hard time making decisions during the pandemic? A few small changes can make a big difference.

Why Is Emotional Splitting So Hard to Deal With?

Although emotional splitting is often seen in borderline personality disorders, it's present in plenty of other situations. Here are three ways to respond.

Angry, Sad, and Weary? 5 Steps to Balance, Without Meditating

Feeling unstable, or out of balance, can be both a symptom and result of stress, leading to emotional and physical symptoms.

What Are You Afraid Of?

Change is part of life, but most of us fear it almost, and sometimes more, than we welcome it. What are you afraid of?

Focus Is Hard to Come by These Days. Here's Why.

“It takes me until about 4 p.m. to actually get work done. Often I wind up stuck mid-thought on the staircase trying to recall what I was about to do."

What's the Best Thing to Do With Your Anger?

Is COVID-19 making you angry? What should you do? (Hint: The answer isn't to express it!)

Does Working From Home Make You Blue? Research Explains Why

Research explains why working from home can make you feel down and anxious—even if it's your choice.

6 Ways to Deal with Selfish People During COVID-19

Tensions are escalating as the corona virus lingers. Selfish behavior is just one of the ways we are dealing. What can you do when someone's selfishness impinges on you?

Are You Thinking This Is Not the Way It Was Supposed to Be?

Phrases like “this isn’t how it’s supposed to be” capture the sense of loss and uncertainty of the pandemic. Here's another way to think about it.

Should You Ask Your Therapist How They're Doing?

“I know I’m not supposed to ask about your personal life,” said Judy, who had been in therapy with me for awhile before COVID-19. “But I’m worried about how you're doing."

Exercise Can Help Right Now—5 Ways to Start Moving

Research tells us that exercise is a way of dealing with stress. Here are five ways to get motivated when you can't make yourself exercise at home.

Feeling Anxious and Vulnerable? 6 Powerful Coping Techniques

In the last few days, almost every conversation in my psychotherapy office has been tinged with anxiety, if not panic. What can you do to ease your own and your family's worries?

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