Savvy Psychologist

Dec 18 2024 508 ep. 11 mins 5.1k
Savvy Psychologist Podcast artwork

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.

  Health & Fitness  Education  Science
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Finding peace amid holiday chaos

Dec 18 2024 10 mins  
Holidays can be joyful but stressful. Monica shares tips on setting boundaries, simplifying tasks, and prioritizing self-care to navigate the season with balance and find moments of peace.

Unwrapping the stresses of the holiday season

Dec 11 2024 6 mins  
The holidays may be a time for joy and connection, but they also bring stress, anxiety, and financial pressure for many people. In this episode, Monica dives into the research behind the emotional toll of the season, from family dynamics to holiday burnout. She explains why the holidays can feel so draining and why it’s okay to acknowledge the challenges amidst the cheer.

Finding relief from chronic pain

Dec 04 2024 8 mins  
Living with chronic pain affects both body and mind, but there are ways to regain control and resilience. In this episode, Monica explores evidence-based strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques to help you cope. Learn how to support your mental health while managing the challenges of chronic pain.

Give more to your relationships with effective communication (Reissue)

Nov 27 2024 11 mins  
Do you have trouble with interpersonal relationships? Have you been told you're a bit too harsh, critical, intense, or overbearing? This week, the Savvy Psychologist will help you focus on a communication skill designed to help you have more effective communication in your relationships.

Finding gratitude when you’re just not "feeling it"

Nov 20 2024 9 mins  
It’s that time of year when everyone reminds us to be grateful—but what if you’re not feeling it? Despite its proven benefits, gratitude can be surprisingly challenging to practice. In this episode, Monica dives into why it’s difficult for so many of us to engage with gratitude, exploring psychological factors like negativity bias, social comparisons, and stress.

Overcoming ADHD task paralysis when you feel stuck

Nov 13 2024 9 mins  
Feeling stuck and unable to start even simple tasks? You’re not lazy—this is ADHD task paralysis. Monica breaks down why this happens and shares science-backed strategies to help you get unstuck, from using the Pomodoro Technique to finding accountability through body doubling. Learn how to turn task paralysis into progress.

Endless options, endless anxiety: Understanding the paradox of choice (Part 2)

Nov 06 2024 7 mins  
In this follow-up episode, Monica dives deeper into the paradox of choice, offering practical strategies to help reduce decision fatigue, increase satisfaction, and simplify decision-making. From limiting options and setting realistic thresholds to practicing gratitude and embracing flexibility, she outlines ten actionable steps to bring clarity and calm to your daily choices.

Endless options, endless anxiety: Understanding the paradox of choice (Part 1)

Oct 30 2024 8 mins  
Is having too many options a problem? Most of us see choice as a hallmark of freedom, but in today’s world, too many choices can lead to stress, anxiety, and even decision paralysis. In this episode, Monica explores the paradox of choice—the surprising downsides of endless options—and why more choices might mean less satisfaction.

Fear factor: Exploring common phobias through horror films

Oct 23 2024 9 mins  
In this Halloween-themed episode, Monica dives into 10 of the most common fears and recommends a horror or thriller movie that brings each fear to life on the big screen. From the fear of heights in Vertigo to the fear of failure in Black Swan, this episode explores how our deepest anxieties are reflected in cinema. Can horror movies help us confront our fears?

7 types of inner critics that are actually trying to help

Oct 16 2024 9 mins  
Monica explores seven common types of inner critics, from the Perfectionist to the Destroyer, and explains how each one is trying to protect you in its own misguided way. Learn how recognizing and addressing these critics can lead to healing and personal growth.