

Savvy Psychologist
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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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2015 • 10min
071 SP 4 Common Challenges of Abuse Survivors, Plus How to Help
In today’s episode, we’ll tackle a challenging issue: why some individuals seem to get into one abusive situation after another. There are as many reasons as there are people involved, but there are also some common themes. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 4 frequent challenges faced by survivors of abuse, plus how you can help. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1SUfp09

May 21, 2015 • 9min
070 SP Transgender 101: 6 Essential Questions and Answers
Transgender individuals seem to be everywhere these days. From Laverne Cox to Bruce Jenner to Jeffrey Tambor (who isn’t trans, but plays one on TV), the transgender movement is making headlines. But this week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen looks beyond the celebrities and offer some FAQs about everyday trans men and women.

May 15, 2015 • 9min
069 SP Toxic Habits: Overthinking
This week, we’ll wrap up our three-part series on toxic habits. Our third toxic habit? Call it overthinking, obsessing, brooding, or wallowing, or, call it the official term: rumination. In this episode of the Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 4 tips to stop the mental hamster wheel. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1KBQ1Xj

May 8, 2015 • 14min
068 SP How to Teach Your Kids About Spirituality
Savvy Psychologist welcomes special guest Dr. Lisa Miller, author of the fascinating new book The Spiritual Child, to discuss the importance of fostering spirituality in your child's life.

Apr 24, 2015 • 7min
066 SP Toxic Habits: Avoidance
In Part 2 of the series on surprisingly toxic habits the Savvy Psychologist discusses the 3 reasons why you should avoid avoidance. (Hint: Like ostensibly loose slot machines or helping out a Nigerian prince via email, avoidance promises a big payoff, but actually leaves you worse off than before. Here's why). Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1bBVCBT.

Apr 9, 2015 • 12min
002 SP Why Am I So Tired?
Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen probes your psyche to find out why you're so tired, and gives advice on what you can do about it. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1CsgEZH

Apr 3, 2015 • 9min
064 SP Should Kids Take Psychiatric Medication?
We all know (or were) the kid who makes us wish for the invention of a Ritalin blow dart. But is it a good idea to put kids on psychiatric meds? And once they’re on, how long is long enough? The Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen tackles the topic of psychiatric meds that start early and last a lifetime. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1CdIN5I

Mar 20, 2015 • 9min
062 SP 6 Ways to Improve Your Empathy
The latest in empathy research finds that our genes may not be selfish after all. What’s more, good empathy skills make us happier and healthier. (Plus it’s the closest you’ll get to being telepathic). This week, the Savvy Psychologist reveals 6 ways to put more "oomph" in your empathy. Read the transcript here: http://bit.ly/1HcHTxY

Mar 13, 2015 • 11min
061 SP What Is OCPD?
Affecting 3-8% of the population, Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is the most common of all the personality disorders. This week, the Savvy Psychologist explains the 8 traits of OCPD.

Mar 6, 2015 • 8min
060 SP 10 Ways to Spot a Narcissist
Who’s your favorite narcissist? Kim? Justin Bieber? The Donald? And who can forget Kanye? Imma let you finish, but first, what exactly makes a narcissist? Savvy Psychologist explains, plus offers 10 tips on how to spot a narcissist. Read the transcript here: http://bit.ly/1Bg8yVQ