

Savvy Psychologist
QuickAndDirtyTips.com
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 30, 2014 • 7min
021 SP How to Motivate Yourself to Exercise
The most popular day to exercise is “tomorrow.” Motivating yourself to exercise is, for most of us, an ongoing project. But even if your favorite curls are the cheese kind, here are 6 tips you’ve never heard of to get you moving.

May 16, 2014 • 11min
019 SP Sometimes I Just Want to Be Alone
Everyone needs a room of one’s own, some more often than others. In Part 1 of this series, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen explores some common—and not so common—variations on the state of seclusion.

May 9, 2014 • 13min
018 SP How Mood Affects Food
The Savvy Psychologist interviews guest start Monica Reinagel, host of the Nutrition Diva podcast, about how our emotions affect what we eat and how little changes can make a big difference. Veggies with breakfast--who knew?

May 2, 2014 • 13min
017 SP 7 Myths (and 1 Big Fact) About PTSD
The Savvy Psychologist describes 7 misconceptions about PTSD and one big truth. Plus, how to approach healing and why stigma can get in the way (with a special emphasis on veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan).

Apr 25, 2014 • 13min
015 SP Should You Take on Bad Parenting in Public?
While parenting decisions are generally best left to the parents, what happens when a parent does something to their child that makes your hair stand on end? This week, we’ll discuss this ethical, emotional, and safety issue all rolled into one. Plus 5 facts to help you decide with confidence whether to take action.

Apr 10, 2014 • 10min
014 SP What is ADHD? Common—and Surprising—Symptoms
Do you frequently start and abandon projects? Does your ability to concentrate flip-flop between The Laser Beam and The Disco Ball? Sometimes ADHD is obvious, but sometimes it can fly under the radar. The Savvy Psychologist explains the common, and not so common, signs of this disorder. Plus, learn about medication-free tips to manage ADHD in kids and adults.

13 snips
Apr 4, 2014 • 10min
013 SP How to Stop Avoiding Conflict
Conflict can feel daunting, but avoiding it only makes things worse. Discover thirteen practical tips to tackle tough conversations with confidence and compassion. Learn how a curious mindset and collaborative goals can transform conflicts into constructive dialogues. Master the art of effective communication to reduce defensiveness and foster genuine discussions. Equip yourself with strategies to engage meaningfully, ensuring clarity and understanding in even the trickiest situations.

Mar 7, 2014 • 10min
009 SP How to Beat Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
When all that’s left of the fa-la-las is rock-hard fruitcake, the winter blahs creep up, settle in, and hang around until spring. Clinical psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 8 tips to deal with the blahs and their more serious cousin, Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Feb 28, 2014 • 9min
008 SP Do Antidepressants Work?
Antidepressants have been hailed as miracle drug rock stars and vilified as brain-changing happy pills. All promotion aside—good or bad—are they effective? Clinical psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen digs through the data.

Feb 21, 2014 • 9min
007 SP How to Beat Creativity Blocks
If your muse is on strike, what can you do to get it back on the job? The Savvy Psychologist has 8 strategies you can use to kick-start the flow of your creative juices.