
Savvy Psychologist
Seeking a healthier emotional life? It’s time to bring a trained psychologist and mental health expert along for the ride. Dr. Monica Johnson explains the why behind complex emotions, helps you form better relationships, and guides you down the path of self-understanding.
Latest episodes

Feb 12, 2025 • 12min
The 7 types of rest you need (And how to get them)
Are you getting the rest you really need? Discover the seven essential types of rest, including physical, emotional, and creative rejuvenation. Learn practical strategies to tailor your rest for better mental health and combat burnout. The importance of self-compassion is emphasized, encouraging you to take guilt-free breaks. Reflection on personal fatigue can guide you in reclaiming your energy and balancing your life. It's time to prioritize your well-being more intentionally!

Feb 5, 2025 • 16min
How to be empowered in 2025: Overcoming triggers and trauma
Feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of news and social media? The discussion dives into the concept of vicarious trauma and its hidden effects. Learn about the E.M.P.O.W.E.R. method, a set of practical strategies to set boundaries and manage emotional triggers. The conversation also addresses how personal and intergenerational trauma shape our experiences, emphasizing the importance of community support and self-care for resilience and healing. Equip yourself to navigate 2025 with newfound emotional strength!

Jan 29, 2025 • 7min
More expert tips to build lasting habits that stick
Discover five powerful strategies to help you build and maintain habits. Learn the importance of rewarding yourself and removing obstacles along your journey. Get inspired to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, while also valuing the celebration of small wins. Stay committed through accountability and embrace the patience required for lasting change. This engaging discussion offers relatable examples to motivate you on your path to success.

Jan 22, 2025 • 7min
Helpful tips for building effective habits that really last
Consistency is the secret to lasting success, but sticking to habits can be a challenge. In this episode, Monica shares five practical, research-backed strategies to help you build habits that stick. Learn how to start small, stack habits, shift your identity, set clear intentions, and track your progress. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

5 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 29min
"How to Be Enough": Tackling perfectionism and finding self-worth with Dr. Ellen Hendriksen
Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, the original host of Savvy Psychologist and author of "How to Be Enough," returns to share her insights on overcoming perfectionism. She dives into the roots of self-criticism and its ties to hustle culture. The conversation highlights the difference between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism, urging listeners to prioritize personal effort over external validation. Techniques for self-compassion and embracing imperfection are discussed, along with the importance of vulnerability for forming genuine connections.

6 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 7min
How to build a mindset for growth
Feeling stuck in your abilities? Discover the transformative power of a growth mindset! Learn how to turn failures into valuable learning opportunities. Embrace effort and feedback as essential tools for progress. Surround yourself with supportive people and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This fresh perspective will empower you to take on challenges and see them as stepping stones toward success!

Dec 30, 2024 • 12min
5 factors that make it harder for you to cope with your emotions (Reissue)
Have trouble coping with your emotions? Here are 5 factors that get in your way and make regulating your emotions harder. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Dec 23, 2024 • 15min
“The Loneliness Epidemic” and how to combat it (Reissue)
In this episode, we dig into what loneliness really is, how it can impact your mental health, and a few tips on how best to combat it. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Dec 18, 2024 • 10min
Finding peace amid holiday chaos
Holidays can be joyful but stressful. Monica shares tips on setting boundaries, simplifying tasks, and prioritizing self-care to navigate the season with balance and find moments of peace.Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Dec 11, 2024 • 6min
Unwrapping the stresses of the holiday season
The holidays may be a time for joy and connection, but they also bring stress, anxiety, and financial pressure for many people. In this episode, Monica dives into the research behind the emotional toll of the season, from family dynamics to holiday burnout. She explains why the holidays can feel so draining and why it’s okay to acknowledge the challenges amidst the cheer.Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/
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