The Savvy Psychologist's Quick And Dirty Tips For Better Mental Health

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Affecting up to 16% of kids, Sensory Processing Disorder is the most common disorder you’ve never heard of. The Savvy Psychologist explains what is SPD and why it's so misunderstood. Plus, answers to 3 big questions about the disorder. Read the transcript here: http://bit.ly/1FGW7Tr

As a follow-up to last week’s episode on how to handle the unintentional but hurtful racism of microaggressions, this week on the Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 6 tips to be anti-racist, including why you shouldn’t claim to be color blind and why white individuals should have a racial identity. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/17kbPJd

Has a comment about race left you thinking “Did that just happen?” These incidents of microaggression can be painful and confusing. Savvy Psychologist has 6 tips to deal with racist comments or actions. Visit the website: http://bit.ly/1DpCZKI

At night, you can’t sleep. In the morning, you can’t wake up. Sound familiar? Get back on track with 5 myths and facts about sleep and insomnia from Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/193gcJA

This week on the Savvy Psychologist podcast, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen outlines 4 differences between nightmares and night terrors, and best of all, how to get rid of each so you can drift back to dreamland! Visit the website: http://bit.ly/1CISAoo

With the mindfulness movement in full swing and the gratitude movement gaining steam, keeping a journal is a timely (and popular) New Year’s resolution. Check out the Savvy Psychologist's 5 tips to supercharge your writing. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1D0uunz

After a year of hosting the popular Savvy Psychologist podcast, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen has learned a lot. Check out the top 5 most important lessons from the past year - and how you can use them to make 2015 your best year ever. Visit the website: http://bit.ly/155TPk5

You may live by “Better never than late” or you may follow “Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.” Any way you slice it, being on time is a struggle for many of us. By request from Savvy listener Joaquin Garzaro of Guatemala City, here are Savvy Psychologist Ellen Hendriksen’s 10 tips to be on time, every time. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1tU1j62

Abraham Lincoln said, “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” To that end, Savvy Psychologist explains how giving can actually benefit the giver even more than the receipient. Check out the 3 big benefits of altruism. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1IhPxTW

Rejection hurls a rock through the window of our confidence. It can leave us wounded and bitter, or stronger, wiser, and maybe even laughing. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 5 ways to handle rejection. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1w73AVs

Let’s call this an unconventional holiday special. Loneliness afflicts millions of Americans and the holidays are particularly hard for those who feel stuck out in the cold. This holiday season, Savvy Psychologist offers 8 tips to deal with loneliness. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/13dfWUU