One thing that I have learned as a psychology professor and former psychologist is that “simple things on repeat” have the greatest impact on our health and happiness. This is why I want to share a sustainable model of emotional and mental health habits called CPR: Catch Pause Repair. Emotional CPR: Video Edition https://youtu.be/8VvwITnvrhs https://youtu.be/DbBwCkQ9sKI... Continue Reading →
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
POWER OF THE MIND In this psychology video, I share concrete strategies for transforming painful emotional experiences using a model of cognitive psychology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=119i-Qv-ep0 What’s real? What’s distorted? An A-B-C Formula for reality testing that is especially helpful during outer circumstances beyond a person’s control. A-B-C House Flood Scenario The scenario I describe in the... Continue Reading →
Embracing Change
Change is both personal and universal. Everyone goes through changes and transformations. We are born. We grow old. What sets us apart is how we experience change. 1. Personality of Change How we perceive the world has a significant impact on how we experience change. Type A vs. Type B Individuals with a Type A... Continue Reading →
Empowering Conversations About Change
The Psychology of Change During this week’s health psychology lecture, we talked about the psychology of change, including the parts of our lives that remain ‘unchanged’ during rapid and unexpected change. What Remains During Change? The Sun Still Rises Coffee Tastes Delicious Trees Greet You on Your Walk Favourite Movie Still Delights Bed is Comfie... Continue Reading →
What helps you adapt to change?
What helps you adapt to rapid, unpredictable, unexpected change? I asked this question of student leaders at a province wide conference. See student answers on the chalkboard below: My answer on the chalkboard was: GO SMALLER One day at a time. One hour at a time. One class at a time. Microseconds sometimes.. https://youtu.be/rUWGr_GwzhM Your... Continue Reading →
Anger is a sign that something needs to change
Individuals are often looking for healthier ways to express their emotions. For Example: Anger That said, it's not as simple as becoming "more calm" or "less explosive". The first step in transformation and lasting change is looking below the surface. The Kübler-Ross Model provides insight: The goal is to discover if angry thoughts, actions, or... Continue Reading →
Student Resilience and Success (YouTube Video)
Resilience & Success In this 8 minute video, I describe three resilience tips for student success: 1. CONNECT 2. CREATE 3. THRIVE https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3OXADYU-pQs&app=m&persist_app=1 Hold On STAY STRONG “Be Fearless in Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire.” There will always be obstacles. The question is — do you see them as roadblocks or stepping... Continue Reading →
Peer Pressure: What happened when I quit drinking?
Getting ready for my online summer courses which requires a lot of new psychology videos. Including video discussions on health, wellness, and personal empowerment. Similar to in person college classes, the goal is to stimulate active discussions and open communication. For example: Discussion Topic What happened when I quit drinking? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejpt6agt1tk Watch this short video... Continue Reading →
CPR: Sustainable Resilience & Mental Health Habits
sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty /səˌstānəˈbilədē/ The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. Catch Pause Repair (CPR) is a Framework for Sustainable Mental Health & Resilience Habits. CPR includes three simple steps as outlined in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVfeKg78fEY 1. Catch Catch yourself before a stress response escalates by becoming more aware of what triggers... Continue Reading →
Posttraumatic Growth: Can Adversity Be Good for You?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlkaArLVg28 Psychology Keynote In this video you will hear the remarkable stories of teachers, social workers, and principals who suffered greatly through illness, injuries, and difficult pregnancies. Eventually rising up with time and support to greater heights in their current lives. Personal Experience In this video I share examples of how my parents coped with dark times... Continue Reading →
Happiness and Healing in Present Time.
You have the ability to make positive changes in your life. Right here. Right now. Don’t wait for “the perfect time” to transform your life. NOW IS YOUR POWER.
Radio Interview: Why People Refuse to Change Their Minds
Interview Now Available 📻☀️ I begin 6 min 24 sec into radio segment: http://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/audio/sunday-morning-live-dr-andrea-dinardo-1.9561424?mode=Article JULY 28 RADIO SHOW TOPIC: COGNITIVE DISSONANCE Why facts don't change our minds I would love your questions and reflections on the topic of why people refuse to change their minds and/or adjust their stance on a political, personal, relationship, or... Continue Reading →
Peer Pressure and Alcohol: Stand Your Sacred Ground
The Social Side Effects of Change Motivation to make a change is as much about you, as the people all around you. And unfortunately, not everyone agrees with our decision to grow, change, and evolve. In whatever form it may take. “Being different isn't a bad thing. It means you're brave enough to be yourself“... Continue Reading →
Choice and transformation go hand in hand.
“Empowerment is realizing you have a choice.” My mission in life is to encourage people to own their choices – no matter how big or how small. In doing so, individuals will uncover the magnificent power that lives within them. Embracing the power to choose one’s emotions, thoughts, and reactions to life’s circumstances is the key which... Continue Reading →
What are you ready to let go of?
This post was inspired by a stressful situation that I couldn't let go of, long beyond its solution. No matter how hard I tried. Day in day out. The worry would reappear. Then someone close to me suggested "I shed the stress". And a lightbulb went off. Each time the repetitive thought appeared, I imagined... Continue Reading →
WHY change NOW?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM&app=desktop The first question I ask clients wanting to make a change is “Why Now?” For there is no doubt that they (and you and I) have been wanting to transform an aspect of our lives for a very long time. But the intrinsic motivation just isn’t quite there. The kind of motivation that is... Continue Reading →