The Anti-Doomer Mindset

Environment

Got Heat? Cold? Wildfires? Droughts? Hurricanes?

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on July 10, 2026

Despite the cascading and escalating threats of climate change, many people still avoid talking about it, or struggle to pay attention long enough to act.

Despite the cascading and escalating threats of climate change, many people still avoid talking about it, or struggle to pay attention long enough to act.

Grit

Go Out and Do Something Difficult and Challenging

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on June 10, 2026

Technology makes some things easier, but it can also undermine our growth. If you want to stay sharp, retain your knowledge, and hone your creativity, challenge yourself.

Technology makes some things easier, but it can also undermine our growth. If you want to stay sharp, retain your knowledge, and hone your creativity, challenge yourself.

Climate Anxiety

Suffering from Eco-Paralysis? Here's What You Can Do

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on April 22, 2026

Intellectualizing or avoiding the climate crisis does us no favors. Grappling with our feelings about ecological destruction is the gateway to collective action.

Intellectualizing or avoiding the climate crisis does us no favors. Grappling with our feelings about ecological destruction is the gateway to collective action.

Conscientiousness

Mental Time Travel Is Our Ticket for a Healthier Society

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on April 2, 2026

Mental time travel is an effective way to create and achieve goals aligned with projected values and ethical considerations.

Mental time travel is an effective way to create and achieve goals aligned with projected values and ethical considerations.

Stress

Protesting Can Be Good For You

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on February 3, 2026

Have you ever felt better after joining a meaningful protest? No matter the external outcome of the event, your participation alone can spark long-lasting mental health benefits.

Have you ever felt better after joining a meaningful protest? No matter the external outcome of the event, your participation alone can spark long-lasting mental health benefits.

Family Dynamics

How to Converse With Family Members You Disagree With

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on December 24, 2025

With holiday cheer comes holiday fear—for when that dreaded topic comes up. Here are 3 excellent tools that will empower you through challenging conversations with relatives.

With holiday cheer comes holiday fear—for when that dreaded topic comes up. Here are 3 excellent tools that will empower you through challenging conversations with relatives.

Self-Control

Ditch Your Digital Device and Connect Instead

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on December 19, 2025

Personal Perspective: During the notoriously busy holiday season, precious moments of togetherness can be enhanced by establishing a digital-free space.

Personal Perspective: During the notoriously busy holiday season, precious moments of togetherness can be enhanced by establishing a digital-free space.

Gratitude

When Gratitude Becomes Embodied

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on November 25, 2025

Earth-rooted practices foster individual and collective resilience and provide a source of grounding and connection that enrich our lives and anchor us through challenging times.

Earth-rooted practices foster individual and collective resilience and provide a source of grounding and connection that enrich our lives and anchor us through challenging times.

Resilience

Rebalancing Your Nervous System Through Anxious Times

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on October 14, 2025

If you're feeling stressed, afraid, angry, or sad, here are three easy micro-resets that you can do with your body to help balance your emotions.

If you're feeling stressed, afraid, angry, or sad, here are three easy micro-resets that you can do with your body to help balance your emotions.

Awe

How Interacting With Mandalas Can Heal Us

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on August 14, 2025

An ancient cross-cultural symbol is there for us when we need it most—revealing not only how we are feeling at present but also how to make meaning and heal going forward.

An ancient cross-cultural symbol is there for us when we need it most—revealing not only how we are feeling at present but also how to make meaning and heal going forward.

Environment

Nature's Medicine Is Right Outside Your Door

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on July 20, 2025

In this guest post, Bridget A. Lyons shares how connecting with nature allies offers mental relief from the daily grind, improves our functioning, and expands our sense of awe.

In this guest post, Bridget A. Lyons shares how connecting with nature allies offers mental relief from the daily grind, improves our functioning, and expands our sense of awe.

Parenting

The Digital Reset That Kids (and Parents) Need Right Now

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT on June 3, 2025

Parents can create healthier tech habits for their families and protect mental health.

Parents can create healthier tech habits for their families and protect mental health.