A Headshrinker's Guide to the Galaxy

Relationships

Embracing the Realities of Time and Truly Living

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on July 14, 2021

When we become aware of the limitations of time, we put a higher value on the time that we have.

When we become aware of the limitations of time, we put a higher value on the time that we have.

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.

Behaviorism

A Psychoanalyst Discovers the Value of Behaviorism

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on July 23, 2019

Skinner and Pavlov save the day (and the dog) and teach a psychoanalyst a few important lessons.

Skinner and Pavlov save the day (and the dog) and teach a psychoanalyst a few important lessons.

Projection

In Search of Constructive Conversations

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on November 29, 2017

Initiate, be humble, listen, find common ground, be cool, think big, keep it short, and end on a positive note.

Initiate, be humble, listen, find common ground, be cool, think big, keep it short, and end on a positive note.

Psychoanalysis

What Psychoanalysis Can Do For You

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on August 31, 2017

How to find a way out of vicious circles, and a new path forward.

How to find a way out of vicious circles, and a new path forward.

Psychoanalysis

The Difference Between Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on June 14, 2017

There are so many different types of psychotherapy. How do I tell the difference and find an approach that is right for me?

There are so many different types of psychotherapy. How do I tell the difference and find an approach that is right for me?

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.

Resilience

Finding a Useful Perspective in Troubling Times

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on January 30, 2017

The story of an immigrant's resilience, determination, and fight for hope.

The story of an immigrant's resilience, determination, and fight for hope.

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?

Politics

Falling Down and Getting Up Again

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on November 9, 2016

Whatever we may feel about these election results, we must pick ourselves up and carry on. There's work to do.

Whatever we may feel about these election results, we must pick ourselves up and carry on. There's work to do.

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.

Projection

How to Make Political Conversations More Productive

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on July 20, 2016

Being able to talk together constructively is a small but mighty consolation in these troubling times.

Being able to talk together constructively is a small but mighty consolation in these troubling times.

Politics

Why Politics Are So Hard: A Psychoanalyst’s Perspective

Jennifer Kunst Ph.D. on June 1, 2016

Fear of survival and fear of loss are powerful human motivators.

Fear of survival and fear of loss are powerful human motivators.

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.