Autistic Masking in Adulthood | Psychology Today
Masking, sometimes referred to as camouflaging, refers to when someone hides who they are authentically in order to meet an expectation that does not align with their true self. In autistic and other neurodivergent communities, it means hiding one’s neurodivergent traits in order to meet neurotypical expectations for behavior. You do not have to be […]
Re-Branding Sleep Apnea | Psychology Today
Over 900 million adults globally are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (1). In the United States, more than 30 million adults are affected, yet 80-90% remain undiagnosed (2). The impact of untreated sleep apnea can range from increased cardiovascular risk, diabetes, trouble managing weight, depression, excessive sleepiness, drowsy driving, etc. Why are so […]
The Psychology of Money in a Buy Now Pay Later World
Not long ago, you had to physically hand over cash to buy something. You witnessed it exit your wallet. You sensed it. With Klarna or Clearpay, you can now pay for a new phone in three instalments and barely notice the difference. And it’s being done by everyone else, right? This isn’t just a shopping […]
The Psychology of Mental Health Memes
Memes are a form of digital storytelling, except instead of hunting scenes, it’s a sloth giving side-eye with the caption: “If I delete my Instagram, my social anxiety will delete itself too.” And it spreads, because it’s a blunt snippet that somehow captures our collective anxiety in one post. What Are Memes? Memes are Gen […]
The Power of Paws | Psychology Today
In Western societies, dogs are more than pets—they’re companions, family members, and, in many cases, emotional anchors. The human-animal bond has long been the subject of fascination and study, yet research has often oversimplified this relationship by focusing on single dimensions like attachment or satisfaction. A recent, more nuanced study by Turcsán and colleagues, published […]
Balancing Truth-Telling With Diplomacy | Psychology Today
In a recent episode of The Hard Skills podcast, I dug into the double-bind familiar to so many women leaders navigating workplace politics dynamics: Speak up and risk being branded “too aggressive”; back down and risk being labeled “too soft.” As leaders, we’re expected to speak up and be open and authentic, but as women […]
From Campus to Career | Psychology Today
Every spring, graduates walk across stages with caps, gowns, and dreams. But in today’s rapidly changing economy—where automation, AI, and industry disruptions are the norm—a diploma alone no longer guarantees a pathway to a stable career. For far too many students, particularly first-generation and underrepresented learners, the leap from classroom to career remains uncertain and […]
Understanding Protective Frames | Psychology Today
When we think of viewing a tiger, there are three possible scenarios. Firstly, the tiger is in the cage and I feel safe. Conversely, the tiger is without a cage and I feel terror. And lastly, the cage is without the tiger and it’s just boring. However, under certain conditions called protective frames even the […]
Therapy Isn’t Something to Be Ashamed Of
As a therapist, as well as someone who goes to therapy, I can speak firsthand about the importance of attending therapy. Think of it this way: you are driving your car and suddenly you hear a funny noise. At first, you ignore it and hope it goes away. But over time, the noise starts to […]
Peace Psychology in a Time of War
Last week, as I was scrolling through my phone, I came across disturbing images of violence and unrest in Kashmir, including recent news reports of tourists tragically dying. The news deeply affected me because I had been there as a child as well as a tourist. It had been years since I visited the valley, […]