Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

Artificial Intelligence

Why AI Often Validates Rather Than Challenges

Timothy Cook M.Ed. on May 15, 2025 in The Algorithmic Mind

Artificial intelligence's consistent validation reflects algorithmic design, not objective assessment. Learn cognitive strategies to transform AI interactions from flattery to insight.

Artificial intelligence's consistent validation reflects algorithmic design, not objective assessment. Learn cognitive strategies to transform AI interactions from flattery to insight.

Neuroscience

Beyond the Myth That We Use Only 10 Percent of Our Brains

Sam Goldstein Ph.D. on May 15, 2025 in Common Sense Science

The 10 percent brain myth is false. We use our entire brain. Neuroscience points to several methods of enhancing brain efficiency, rather than tapping into "unused" parts.

The 10 percent brain myth is false. We use our entire brain. Neuroscience points to several methods of enhancing brain efficiency, rather than tapping into "unused" parts.

Depression

An Old-Time Depression Remedy That Really Works

Anthony D. Smith LMHC on May 15, 2025 in Up and Running

There's no one sure cause of depression, nor are the only answers to it medication and therapy. Older generations' apparent secret weapon against depression is still within reach.

There's no one sure cause of depression, nor are the only answers to it medication and therapy. Older generations' apparent secret weapon against depression is still within reach.

Parenting

The Hidden Power of a Paternal Blessing

Brad E Sachs Ph.D. on May 15, 2025 in Emptying The Nest

Fathers need not be religious to bless their children on the cusp of adulthood. Blessings can foster hope, strengthen bonds, and enhance belonging.

Fathers need not be religious to bless their children on the cusp of adulthood. Blessings can foster hope, strengthen bonds, and enhance belonging.

Aging

The Four C's of Successful Aging

Jeffrey S. Nevid, Ph.D., ABPP on May 15, 2025 in The Minute Therapist

Aging is as much a matter of mental attitude as chronological age.

Aging is as much a matter of mental attitude as chronological age.

Autism

Three Things Neurotypicals Should Know About Autism

Sol Smith on May 14, 2025 in Unmasking with Confidence

What most people understand about autism is outdated and many stereotypes are harmful. Learning these three simple things will actually improve your relationship with autistics.

What most people understand about autism is outdated and many stereotypes are harmful. Learning these three simple things will actually improve your relationship with autistics.

Domestic Violence

Abuse Doesn't Always Stop When the Relationship Ends

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on May 14, 2025 in Invisible Bruises

For many victims of domestic violence, the end of an abusive relationship only marks the beginning of a new chapter of abuse.

For many victims of domestic violence, the end of an abusive relationship only marks the beginning of a new chapter of abuse.

Body Image

Body Neutrality: A Healthier Way to Relate to Your Body

Sophie S. Whynacht Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in Body Image and Stigma (BIAS)

By prioritizing respect, function, and well-being over aesthetics, body neutrality helps create a healthier and less judgmental relationship with your body.

By prioritizing respect, function, and well-being over aesthetics, body neutrality helps create a healthier and less judgmental relationship with your body.

Relationships

Why You Probably Won’t “Let Them” in the Long Run

Mike Verano LPC, LMFT on May 14, 2025 in Confessions of a Psychological First Responder

Personal Perspective: The psychological wisdom of healthy boundaries and assertiveness is challenged by the "Let Them" movement.

Personal Perspective: The psychological wisdom of healthy boundaries and assertiveness is challenged by the "Let Them" movement.

Suicide

Every Parent Faces the Pain of Seeing Their Child Struggle

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on May 14, 2025 in Family and Trauma

Every parent faces the pain of seeing their child struggle. Learn how to spot the signs of distress, start tough conversations, and provide love and support.

Every parent faces the pain of seeing their child struggle. Learn how to spot the signs of distress, start tough conversations, and provide love and support.

Synchronicity

Synchronicity: What Is It and Does It Matter In Therapy?

Helen Marlo, Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in Deeper Dive

Synchronicity articulates a theory of interconnectedness that links individuals with something beyond the self.

Synchronicity articulates a theory of interconnectedness that links individuals with something beyond the self.

Artificial Intelligence

The Future Belongs to the Calibrators

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in Beyond School Walls

The psychological traits of effective AI users.

The psychological traits of effective AI users.

Therapy

Should I Use an AI Therapist?

Loren Soeiro, Ph.D. ABPP on May 14, 2025 in I Hear You

New advances in artificial intelligence have resulted in dozens of popular online therapy chatbots. But can they be as helpful as they claim to be?

New advances in artificial intelligence have resulted in dozens of popular online therapy chatbots. But can they be as helpful as they claim to be?

Sex

Sexual Mindfulness Is Not an Activity, It Is a Way of Life

Chelom E. Leavitt, J.D., Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in Sexual Mindfulness

Our brains are designed to think, but thinking can, at times, get out of control and hijack our real aims. You can slow down and be more intentional in life and love.

Our brains are designed to think, but thinking can, at times, get out of control and hijack our real aims. You can slow down and be more intentional in life and love.

Career

The Four C’s of Engagement at Work and in Life

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe Ed.D. on May 14, 2025 in Everyday Resilience

Crashing, coasting, cruising, or championing? This is a gentle check-in to notice where we are, support ourselves and those we lead, and move forward with intention.

Crashing, coasting, cruising, or championing? This is a gentle check-in to notice where we are, support ourselves and those we lead, and move forward with intention.

Authenticity

The Myth of Belonging

Rami Kaminski, M.D. on May 14, 2025 in The Gifts of Not Belonging

Personal Perspective: Is belonging truly essential? Some people resist group identity and thrive by staying true to themselves.

Personal Perspective: Is belonging truly essential? Some people resist group identity and thrive by staying true to themselves.

Self-Esteem

The Cost of Being the Strong One

Melanie A. McNally Psy.D. on May 14, 2025 in Empower Your Mind

Is being “the strong one” wearing you down? You can reclaim your worth beyond performance.

Is being “the strong one” wearing you down? You can reclaim your worth beyond performance.

Artificial Intelligence

How Mindfulness Can Keep Us Human in the Age of AI

David Weitzner Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in Managing with Meaning

Overwhelmed by AI hype, and the fear that you will be made obsolete? Take a breath. Changing how we think is hard work, but it's doable. And it starts with a mindfulness practice.

Overwhelmed by AI hype, and the fear that you will be made obsolete? Take a breath. Changing how we think is hard work, but it's doable. And it starts with a mindfulness practice.

Environment

Reclaiming Our Legacy of Harmony in Times of Great Change

Rachel Clark on May 14, 2025 in Mothering Nature

Naturalist Brooke Williams explores how we can re-enchant our lives and orient ourselves toward harmony in his new book "Encountering Dragonfly."

Naturalist Brooke Williams explores how we can re-enchant our lives and orient ourselves toward harmony in his new book "Encountering Dragonfly."

Child Development

Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in A New GPS for Intimate Relationships

The parental investment of quality time is a prime ingredient in the development of a child's emotional intelligence and self-worth.

The parental investment of quality time is a prime ingredient in the development of a child's emotional intelligence and self-worth.

Authenticity

When Life Feels Off, You May Be Losing Your True Self

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on May 14, 2025 in Somatic Psychology

Losing touch with our feelings means losing ourselves.

Losing touch with our feelings means losing ourselves.

Fear

We'll Do Anything to Avoid Conflict, Even Lose Friends

Nancy Colier LCSW, Rev. on May 14, 2025 in Inviting a Monkey to Tea

Personal Perspective: We're afraid of conflict, and so we avoid the hard conversations, but it doesn't help.

Personal Perspective: We're afraid of conflict, and so we avoid the hard conversations, but it doesn't help.

Workplace Dynamics

How Different Thinking Styles Drive Unbeatable Resilience

Ed Thompson on May 14, 2025 in A Hidden Force

Embracing cognitive diversity transforms crisis response and helps organizations detect threats earlier, overcome groupthink, and successfully meet complex challenges.

Embracing cognitive diversity transforms crisis response and helps organizations detect threats earlier, overcome groupthink, and successfully meet complex challenges.

Habit Formation

The Myth of Maintenance

Kyle Emanuel Brown on May 14, 2025 in Total Self-Trust

There’s no such thing as standing still. Discover why “maintenance” is a myth, and how to stay energized, aligned, and evolving before silent erosion takes over.

There’s no such thing as standing still. Discover why “maintenance” is a myth, and how to stay energized, aligned, and evolving before silent erosion takes over.

Social Media

TikTok Therapy? The Pros and Cons of Social Media Psychology

Adi Jaffe Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in All About Addiction

Social media therapy is booming—but while TikTok and Instagram offer accessible mental health tips, they also risk spreading misinformation and promoting self-diagnosis.

Social media therapy is booming—but while TikTok and Instagram offer accessible mental health tips, they also risk spreading misinformation and promoting self-diagnosis.

Imposter Syndrome

How Envy and Perfectionism Help Sustain Imposter Syndrome

Leon Garber LMHC on May 14, 2025 in Perfectionism

Imposter syndrome is often based on idealization and envy, believing that others in an important group are perfect while you're far from it.

Imposter syndrome is often based on idealization and envy, believing that others in an important group are perfect while you're far from it.

Workplace Dynamics

Speak Up: Respectful Rebels Welcome

Deborah Grayson Riegel MSW, PCC on May 14, 2025 in Speak Easy

Disagreement, when done right, can be your secret weapon for better decisions and stronger relationships.

Disagreement, when done right, can be your secret weapon for better decisions and stronger relationships.

Career

Should I Do a Gap Year?

Gary R Simonds MD MS FAANS on May 14, 2025 in Rich Encounters

Personal Perspective: "Gap years" afford students a chance to bolster their resilience and wellness prior to facing the demands of professional training and careers.

Personal Perspective: "Gap years" afford students a chance to bolster their resilience and wellness prior to facing the demands of professional training and careers.

Education

The Letter Every Mentor Hopes to Receive

Deborah Heiser Ph.D. on May 14, 2025 in The Right Side of 40

Personal Perspective: A former student’s heartfelt letter reveals how mentorship shapes not just the mentee’s path but the mentor’s legacy, purpose, and sense of lasting impact.

Personal Perspective: A former student’s heartfelt letter reveals how mentorship shapes not just the mentee’s path but the mentor’s legacy, purpose, and sense of lasting impact.