Head Games

Fear

What It's Like to Survive a Murder Attempt

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on December 31, 2024

"The fear is like carrying another person on my back, 24/7."

Personality

How What You Eat Reveals Your Personality

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on December 29, 2024

It turns out the old saying “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are” holds up, according to new research.

Body Image

3 Realities of Living With Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on December 29, 2024

Fearing judgment, and so avoiding people, mirrors, and cameras.

Narcissism

When Your Beloved Is a Narcissist: Four Core Themes

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on September 30, 2024

A study reveals the journey of a relationship with a narcissist, from abuse to healing.

Depression

4 Key Issues for Those Who Love Someone Who's Depressed

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on September 29, 2024

3. Perseverance and endurance.

Psychopathy

What a Relationship With a Psychopath Is Really Like

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on September 28, 2024

Love bombing is often followed by devaluation and discard.

Gaslighting

6 Long-Term Effects of Being Gaslighted

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on June 29, 2024

2. Carrying mistrust into future relationships.

Therapy

What Therapists Get Out of Psychotherapy: Six Core Themes

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on June 27, 2024

What do therapists find most valuable in their own therapy—and what does it mean for their clients? A new study reveals surprising answers.

Child Development

What It's Like to Grow Up with a Mentally Ill Parent

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on June 18, 2024

"It made me stronger. I'm not a person who gives in quickly."

Parental Alienation

When Target Parents Reunite With Alienated Children

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on March 31, 2024

A study of targeted parents identified the challenges and triumphs involved in repairing their relationship with their adult alienated child.

Identity

5 Things Tattoos Can Reveal About Someone

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on March 30, 2024

4. They survived difficult times.

Parental Alienation

When Alienated Adult Children Reunite With Parents

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on March 29, 2024

A study of reunification after parental alienation identifies six key themes that either helped or hindered reestablishing a relationship.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

4 Strengths That Help People Overcome a Rough Childhood

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on December 30, 2023

Why do some people bounce back from childhood adversity? A recent study reveals the components of resilience.

Social Media

5 Reasons Why People Drop Out of Therapy

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on December 28, 2023

An analysis of TikTok videos lends insight into premature therapy discontinuation—with surprising findings.

Awe

Why You Need “Awe” in Your Life and 3 Ways to Get More of It

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on December 24, 2023

Research finds that experiences of vastness and transcendence benefit the soul in unexpected ways.

Career

How Being a Therapist Can Impact Your Personal Life

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on September 30, 2023

The good, the bad, and the ugly: A study reveals the secret lives of therapists.

Child Development

The Pain of Parent-Child Role Reversals: 4 Core Themes

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on September 26, 2023

What happens when children are “parentified” and grow up too fast? Researchers reveal the long-term consequences of being your parent's parent.

Anxiety

What It's Like to Have Social Anxiety Disorder

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on September 25, 2023

Research identifies what's most challenging for those who wrestle with fear in social situations.

Trauma

Recovering From Serious Mental Illness: 6 Key Themes

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on June 29, 2023

Research reveals the process of positive change in the aftermath of trauma.

Relationships

Romantic Relationships in Adults of Narcissistic Parents

Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. on June 26, 2023

Research finds four key themes for adult children navigating love and closeness.