Savvy Psychologist

Relationships often end due to factors like commitment issues, poor communication, emotional disconnect, and infidelity. In this episode, Monica unpacks the psychology behind breakups, drawing on research and real-world insights to help navigate relationship challenges. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Are you truly getting the rest you need? In this episode, Monica explores the seven essential types of rest—physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual—offering practical strategies to help you combat burnout and reclaim your energy. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Feeling emotionally drained by the news or social media? Monica explores vicarious trauma and shares the E.M.P.O.W.E.R. method, practical steps to set boundaries, manage triggers, and build emotional resilience in 2025. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

In part two of this series, Monica shares five more strategies to help you stick to your goals and make lasting changes. Learn how to reward yourself, remove obstacles, stay accountable, reframe setbacks, and embrace patience with relatable examples and encouragement.

Consistency is the secret to lasting success, but sticking to habits can be a challenge. In this episode, Monica shares five practical, research-backed strategies to help you build habits that stick. Learn how to start small, stack habits, shift your identity, set clear intentions, and track your progress. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Dr. Ellen Hendrickson, the original host of Savvy Psychologist, makes her return to the show to discuss her new book How to Be Enough. Monica dives deep with Dr. Hendrickson into the roots of perfectionism, its impact on self-worth, and practical strategies for embracing self-acceptance. Discover the two pillars of unhealthy perfectionism, how hustle culture exacerbates self-criticism, and actionable steps to move toward a healthier mindset. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Ever feel stuck in a fixed mindset, convinced you’re just “not good” at something? In this episode, Monica introduces the growth mindset—a powerful perspective that turns failures into stepping stones and "I can’t" into "I can’t yet." With practical tips like embracing effort, reframing failures, and welcoming feedback, you'll learn how to build a mindset that fuels progress and resilience.

Have trouble coping with your emotions? Here are 5 factors that get in your way and make regulating your emotions harder. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

In this episode, we dig into what loneliness really is, how it can impact your mental health, and a few tips on how best to combat it. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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? Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

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. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Exploring the five key types of thoughts that can either build up or break down your relationship. By understanding selective attention, attributions, and other relationship cognitions, you can change how you view and interact with your partner. Learn practical techniques to shift your mindset and create a healthier, more balanced connection. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych https://www.kindmindpsych.com/