The Blog
Expert perspectives on mental health, relationships, wellbeing, and living a more fulfilling life — from our team of psychologists and therapists.
Why Does Menopause Impact Libido & Intimacy in Relationships?
For many women, menopause brings changes that extend far beyond physical symptoms. Shifts in sexual desire, emotional well being and body awareness can influence how women experience intimacy and connection in their relationships. These changes can be confusing, frustrating and at times isolating. Although menopause can affect libido and intimacy through hormonal, emotional and relational […]
Growing up, stress has frequently been framed as something harmful, a thing to avoid. Yet, it shows up in many corners of our daily life like shadows we can’t get rid of; at times through tight deadlines, difficult conversations we’ve been holding off on and simply the moments that pressure us to test our limits. […]
Life shifts in quiet ways and for many women this shift is one of the most profound. Rooms full of sound now echo with space that is empty and waiting to be rediscovered. This is a journey of adjustment, reflection and a chance to reclaim yourself beyond the role of “mom”. When The House Gets […]
As a clinical psychologist, director of Group Therapy LA/NY and advisor at the UCLA PEERS Clinic, Dr. Cara Gardenswartz brings a distinctive voice to modern mental health care. Daily social interactions rely on patterns we have come to recognize and expect over time. The ways people communicate, respond and connect are more complex than they […]
Cognitive decline is one of the most common concerns people face as they grow older. Many begin to wonder what they can do to keep their minds sharp and avoid mental decline. Cognitive aging generally occurs in 2 forms: normal and pathological. Normal cognitive aging involves gradual changes in fluid abilities such as memory, multitasking […]
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to care across multiple communities. Within the Black community, stigma is shaped by historical trauma, long standing mistrust of healthcare systems and expectations of strength. During Black History Month, it is important to not only celebrate resilience but also examine mental health challenges that continue to affect access […]
It was not until well into my undergraduate career at UCLA that I learned the menstrual cycle had four distinct phases—or that there was only a roughly six-day fertility window each month to get pregnant. Likewise, it was only after experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea (the loss of a period for more than three months) that I […]
The thought of psychological testing can sound daunting. What if the clinician judges my eccentricities? What if they label me with several mental health problems? What if they misdiagnose me? While these thoughts may be real fears, psychological testing is similar to any other examination a medical professional undergoes. Just as your optometrist administers an […]
When Feeling “Off” Isn’t Just in Your Head Another referral to another doctor. Many people recognize this pattern all too well. Vague symptoms–fatigue, insomnia, low mood, weight changes, and brain fog–point to something amiss but don’t provide easy clarity. Before going down the rabbit hole of appointments and specialists, there could be a rather simple […]
It is indisputable that in recent years, artificial intelligence has become increasingly integrated into many aspects of daily life, from retail and customer service to healthcare. Among one of the most promising yet complex areas of development is the use of AI in therapy and mental health support. At the center of this new adaptation […]
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