Dr. Andrea Dinardo, Psychology Professor
https://youtu.be/ldOlNJ0ds0c The idea we have for our life rarely matches up with the life we end up with. Plan A is fantasy. Plan B is reality. Growth is not a straight line, which is often a blessing in disguise, yet something we seldom realize in the thick of life. How do we move on from... Continue Reading →
Fight or Flight Threat Response Every time we feel threatened (threat is the fundamental definition of stress) our first instinct is to “fight or flight“. This perpetual “fight or flight” response loop eventually creates a host of secondary problems, above and beyond, the original stressor. Powerpoint Slide from Broaden and Build Leadership Event, January 2022... Continue Reading →
Freedom doesn't come from holding on. Freedom comes from letting go. Again and again and again. Too often we are hard on ourselves for having to release the same thought, emotion, person, or situation over and over again. When in fact this is how life goes. Letting go and surrendering are an ongoing process. And... Continue Reading →
Even as a psychologist, I often don’t know what to say. Especially now with so many people experiencing pain and trauma in escalating ways. So rather than assume what someone needs, I have learned over the years to ask one simple question: How Can I Support You? In doing so, I create a safe space... Continue Reading →
WHY ARE WE SO HARD ON OURSELVES? Great question! One that I’m asked often. And one that I often ask myself. PSYCHOLOGY INSIGHTSWhat causes this behaviour? The answer is multifaceted and includes several factors including how we were parented (when internalized superego and conscience first develops) and eventually how we parent ourselves. For example: When something... Continue Reading →
Podcast Details & Show Notes I was recently interviewed by wellness entrepreneur Christa Realba for her Ambitious Mama Podcast Series. During the podcast, Christa and I discussed how posttraumatic growth and thriving under pressure are possible for all of us. In different gradients, and at different times for sure. Depending on where you are on... Continue Reading →
Today let’s celebrate all the dreams that came true. Merely an idea 5 years ago. It’s so easy to get lost in our hopes and motivations for the future. Without realizing how many of our aspirations we’ve already achieved. Together let’s honour how far we’ve come. Only then will we have the fuel + the... Continue Reading →
When things go wrong, what do you focus on first? The world outside you or the world within you? The following is a video and activity overview from Part 2 of the 2020 SRC Leadership Development Workshop. Click Here for Part 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEjYGl9c0k Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control... Continue Reading →
Leadership Training and Development I had the opportunity to work with the student leadership team at St. Clair College in Windsor Ontario. The goal was to strengthen the bonds between SRC team members and harness the power of their mission to 1) support, 2) lead, and 3) advocate for students at St. Clair College. We talked... Continue Reading →
H old O n P ain E nds During difficult times, I often tell myself: “What a difference a day makes.” This one simple sentence helps me to remember that tomorrow is a brand new day. Illuminating the possibility that what looks like the end in that dark moment, could in fact be preparing me... Continue Reading →
Choose the THOUGHTS that emPOWER you today. It takes one word one thought one mantra to shift our mind from pain to power. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wIK91yKh0Zo What will your empowering thought be this week? I’d love to know. Share your WORD in comments below ⤵️ Related Post: Empowering Conversations Thanks for visiting my psychology blog! Dr. D... Continue Reading →
LESSONS LEARNED In this post, I share the lessons learned at a thriving teams thriving leaders board retreat. It was a true team effort! With the team-building and leadership exercises equally led by the student leaders and myself. Please join in and explore the reflection questions, interactive activities, and workshop videos with the teams... Continue Reading →
What is Positive Psychology? https://youtu.be/uAFNjr29sy4 "While traditional psychology focused its attention on pathology and problems, in the relatively new field of positive psychology, researchers strive to explore and understand the strengths of individuals and communities that contribute to their flourishing." Source: Psychology Guide Strengths first I am passionate about what positive psychology can do for... Continue Reading →
In today's psychology class, we discussed how important it is to empower friends, family, and clients going through difficult times. HONOUR THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU And how even if we are an expert in psychology, nursing, or business - it does not make us the master of someone else's life. Together we explored... Continue Reading →
Trust that everything is working out as it should. In divine time. In divine order. For your highest good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGQQjnEp8Qw&app=desktop Video: Let Go and Flow
The Psychology of Wellness I had the opportunity to be interviewed on the Lemon Soul Podcast by an engaging and bright young woman named Sierra Parr. It was one of the most rewarding projects I have worked on and I hope you find the same value in listening to the podcast as I had co-creating it... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 