Have you ever had a conversation that left you feeling confused, guilty, or even questioning your own memory? Sometimes, people use certain behaviors to influence others in ways that might not be very honest or healthy. Recognizing these signs can help you protect your feelings, set boundaries,...

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with a sinking feeling, like something wasn’t right? Maybe you felt taken advantage of or manipulated but couldn't pinpoint why. This feeling can hit especially hard if you tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, trust easily, or avoid...

I received the following question from a community member:

Dear Dr. Julie, I feel inadequate most of the time. I graduated from high school in 1965. I've worked a variety of jobs, including 13 years with the federal government across three different agencies, and retired in 2002. I...

The inner critic—those persistent, nagging thoughts that tell you "you're not good enough," "this is all your fault," or "you’ll never succeed"—isn’t a voice you were born with. Instead, it develops over time, often rooted in the experiences and environments we grow up in....

Do you ever find yourself doubting your decisions, second-guessing your abilities, or feeling like you just aren’t good enough? Many people struggle with self-trust, and a powerful inner critic often lies at the root of this struggle. Rather than helping you improve, this internal voice can...

Understanding Emotion Regulation: A Guide to Healthier Emotional Responses

Emotion regulation is managing and responding to emotional experiences healthily and effectively. It’s not about changing how you feel but how you respond to those feelings. This involves understanding your emotions,...