The Creativity Cure

Addiction

Mentalization for Addiction

Carrie Barron M.D. on November 23, 2025

Mentalization-based therapy, which teaches reflective capacity, can help people recover from addiction.

Addiction

Addiction, Recovery, and the New or Reclaimed Self

Carrie Barron M.D. on May 31, 2025

Addiction alters identity. A therapeutic community that addresses identity and relationships can help people reclaim a lost identity or conjure a new one.

Anger

Losing It

Carrie Barron M.D. on January 28, 2025

A deeper look into Intermittent Explosive Disorder, why people "lose it," and what can be done to help.

Relationships

Moral Disengagement in Relationships

Carrie Barron M.D. on September 17, 2024

Moral disengagement involves both perpetration and disavowal. Understanding the impact of moral disengagement in relationships and society is important for healing.

Decision-Making

The Joys of Vintage and Thrifting

Carrie Barron M.D. on May 16, 2024

There is more to vintage, thrifting, and secondhand shopping than meets the eye. The process provides opportunities for well-being in many ways.

Psychopathy

How Did I Not See This and What Do I Do Now?

Carrie Barron M.D. on January 29, 2024

Imposters can offer seductive stories and salves, but their goal is more about control than care. What makes us susceptible to them, and how can we stay safe?

Happiness

Happiness ABCs

Carrie Barron M.D. on October 16, 2023

Here's a list of novel, serious, and fun tips for happiness and emotional well-being.

Happiness

18 Tools to Optimize Resilience and Happiness

Carrie Barron M.D. on July 12, 2023

Salutogenesis is an undervalued and highly useful psychological tool for optimizing resilience and happiness.

Relationships

When Friendships Satisfy the Need for Love and Nurture

Carrie Barron M.D. on June 20, 2023

It is easy and common to crave and idealize romantic love and coupledom as a construct for the good life, but studies show that friendships may offer more stability and happiness.

Relationships

Irrational Attachments in Human Relationships

Carrie Barron M.D. on March 22, 2023

A critical thought process can you help you break free from a person or situation that you know is hindering you.

Narcissism

Destructive Decision-Making in the Grandiose Narcissist

Carrie Barron M.D. on November 28, 2022

A charismatic individual with grandiose narcissism can lead others astray. It helps to identify the mesmerized self in the interest of setting a boundary for self-protection.

Personality

Changing the Personality to Experience More Happiness

Carrie Barron M.D. on November 18, 2022

Can intentional personality change lead to greater happiness? If so, how is it done?

Resilience

A Perspective That Promotes Resilience

Carrie Barron M.D. on July 19, 2022

Developing an internal locus of control is a way to practice and maintain resilience in the face of adversity.

Attention

How Nature Rests, Restores, and Regenerates Our Minds

Carrie Barron M.D. on January 10, 2022

A look at Attention Restoration Theory and the impact of nature on well-being.

Narcissism

Hope for the Secondary Narcissist

Carrie Barron M.D. on September 15, 2021

Subtle aspects of secondary narcissism, and how to identify and treat underlying issues.

Narcissism

Secondary Narcissism as a Temporary State

Carrie Barron M.D. on September 14, 2021

Is there a less entrenched, more treatable version of narcissism?

Rejection Sensitivity

When Gut-Stabbing Rejection Turns Out to Be a Gift

Carrie Barron M.D. on May 13, 2021

Blindsided by a betrayal? Could this be a gift you would never have given yourself? Separating the urge to reverse rejection from the true wish to remain with this person.