The Psyche Pulse

Identity

Limerence and Identity: When Labels No Longer Fit

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on March 20, 2026

Personal Perspective: A self-identified lesbian develops an unexpected desire for a married man, forcing her to confront how limerence and disclosure can rewrite identity.

Personal Perspective: A self-identified lesbian develops an unexpected desire for a married man, forcing her to confront how limerence and disclosure can rewrite identity.

Social Media

Australia Banned Social Media for Kids—Should the United States?

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on December 16, 2025

By limiting teens’ social media use, Australia hopes to reduce mental health harms. Would a similar step safeguard the mental health risks of U.S. teens?

By limiting teens’ social media use, Australia hopes to reduce mental health harms. Would a similar step safeguard the mental health risks of U.S. teens?

Therapeutic Alliance

It's the Relationship That Matters Most in Therapy

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on November 4, 2025

Therapy's true power isn't in the latest buzzwords or brands; it's in the relationship between client and therapist.

Therapy's true power isn't in the latest buzzwords or brands; it's in the relationship between client and therapist.

Resilience

Fifty Years Later: What I Learned Beyond High School

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on September 19, 2025

Personal Perspective: Half a century later, I reflect on turning setbacks into resilience and growth, finding purpose, and embracing life's changes.

Personal Perspective: Half a century later, I reflect on turning setbacks into resilience and growth, finding purpose, and embracing life's changes.

Alcoholism

What if Alcoholics Anonymous Doesn’t Work for You?

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on June 19, 2025

If Alcoholics Anonymous doesn’t work for you, you’re not alone. The 12-step model isn’t for everyone, but there are modern, evidence-based alternatives for recovery.

If Alcoholics Anonymous doesn’t work for you, you’re not alone. The 12-step model isn’t for everyone, but there are modern, evidence-based alternatives for recovery.

Relationships

Navigating the Murky Waters of Situationships

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on April 20, 2025

Stuck in a “more than friends, less than a relationship” zone? Learn what situationships are, why they happen, and how to navigate them with clarity, courage, and care.

Stuck in a “more than friends, less than a relationship” zone? Learn what situationships are, why they happen, and how to navigate them with clarity, courage, and care.

Emotions

Understanding and Coping With Emotional Flooding

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on March 5, 2025

Flooding in relationships occurs when intense emotions overpower communication. You can manage your feelings for a stronger, healthier connection.

Flooding in relationships occurs when intense emotions overpower communication. You can manage your feelings for a stronger, healthier connection.

Identity

How Changing Your Name Just Might Change Your Life

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on December 2, 2024

Changing your name can be a powerful step toward personal transformation, helping you reclaim your identity, break free from past labels, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Changing your name can be a powerful step toward personal transformation, helping you reclaim your identity, break free from past labels, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Family Dynamics

Why Is It So Hard to Divorce Your Toxic Biological Family?

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on November 13, 2024

Breaking ties with a toxic family is tough. Cultural beliefs, guilt, and fear of loneliness create emotional barriers, making it hard to sever even the most painful relationships.

Breaking ties with a toxic family is tough. Cultural beliefs, guilt, and fear of loneliness create emotional barriers, making it hard to sever even the most painful relationships.

Bipolar Disorder

Borderpolar: A Diagnostic Whiplash

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on September 6, 2024

Confused by the overlap of Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorders? Discover how to navigate the complexities of Borderpolar and find effective treatment strategies.

Confused by the overlap of Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorders? Discover how to navigate the complexities of Borderpolar and find effective treatment strategies.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Chatbots for Mental Health: Opportunities and Limitations

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on July 17, 2024

Exploring AI in Mental Health: Can AI chatbots provide empathetic, secure support, or do they fall short? What are the ethical implications of AI-driven care?

Exploring AI in Mental Health: Can AI chatbots provide empathetic, secure support, or do they fall short? What are the ethical implications of AI-driven care?

Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection Sensitivity: Signs, Causes, and Coping Strategies

Laura J. Paige, Ph.D., LCSW on July 2, 2024

Discover how rejection sensitivity influences mental health and relationships.

Discover how rejection sensitivity influences mental health and relationships.