Why Are Some People Transgender?
This week, by request from listener Cindy in Iowa, we’ll take a look at the still-evolving science of what causes an individual to be transgender. Plus, the surprising reason why gender dysphoria is a mental disorder
Stories by Savvy Psychologist Ellen Hendriksen
Is Depression Contagious?
This week on the podcast, by request from an anonymous listener who wonders if her depressed partner might be bringing her down, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen weighs in on whether or not depression is contagious. The answer might surprise you
What Is Anxiety Sensitivity, and Do I Have It?
Shaking and numbness and sweat, oh my! What do we call it when what we fear is fear itself? None other than the little-known, but hugely important concept of anxiety sensitivity. This week, Savvy Psychologist Ellen Hendriksen explains what it is and offers three tips to take it down
How to Let Go and Move On
Sometimes hanging in there actually means you’re just hanging on … and on. It’s hard to hold onto old hurts. But it’s even harder to let them go. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers five tips to kick-start the process of moving on
Why We Do Stupid Things
Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen reveals three reasons we do dumb things
How to Say No (without Feeling Guilty)
It’s one of the smallest, shortest words in the English language, but one of the hardest to say. This week, Savvy Psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, PhD, offers seven ways to say no (and maybe not even feel guilty!)
The 2 Big Beliefs Linked to Anxiety
Worries and fears and stress, oh my! This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen reveals the two big beliefs that light up anxiety, plus how to pull the plug
How to Talk to Kids about Shootings and Gun Violence
It’s been about a year since we covered "How to Talk To Kids About Terrorism," and sadly, the topic is still as timely as ever
How to Tell If Someone Is Lying
Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen reveals seven ways to tell if someone is lying
Anxiety, Depression or Both?
Anxiety and depression are both challenging disorders—to make matters worse, they occur together up to 50 percent of the time
How Not to Care What Other People Think
They say you stay up too late and got nothing in your brain? It’s normal to care what important people in your life think of you. But if caring too much makes you stressed or you live your life by others’ expectations, it may be time to push back. Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers nine ways to stop caring what other people think
8 Little-Known Signs of Postpartum Depression
Usually, a celebrity checking into a treatment facility equals scandal. But Hayden Panettiere’s story is anything but. Here are eight symptoms to watch for and four myths, busted
Should Kids Take Psychiatric Medication?
We all know (or were) the kid who makes us wish for the invention of a Ritalin blow dart. But is it a good idea to put kids on psychiatric meds? And once they’re on, how long is long enough? The Savvy Psychologist tackles the topic of psychiatric drugs that start early and last a lifetime
5 Tips to Cope with Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can be in your neck, back and anywhere else. It can disrupt your work, your relationships and, by extension, your mental health. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers five tips to deal with the common challenge of chronic pain
How to Stop Nightmares and Night Terrors
This week on the Savvy Psychologist podcast, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen outlines 4 differences between nightmares and night terrors. Plus, tips on how to get rid of each so you can drift back to dreamland
Humans of New York's Brandon Stanton on How to Talk to Strangers
Brandon Stanton, creator, photographer, interviewer, and author of the recent New York Times bestseller Humans of New York: Stories, discusses how to talk to strangers, the importance of having greater empathy, and more
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?
Affecting 3 to 8 percent of the population, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is the most common of all the personality disorders. This week, the Savvy Psychologist explains the eight traits of OCPD
Toxic Habits: Overthinking
This week, we’ll wrap up our three-part series on toxic habits. Our third toxic habit? Call it overthinking, obsessing, brooding, or wallowing, or, call it the official term: rumination. In this episode of the Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 4 tips to stop the mental hamster wheel
5 Therapy Myths and Fears Busted
While millions of people are comfortable seeking help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other counselor, others—maybe you included—would rather pass a kidney stone than make an appointment with a therapist. This week, the Savvy Psychologist helps you (or someone you love) get over 5 common myths and fears about therapy
Your Brain on Porn and Other Sexual Images
Is porn bad for the brain? The Savvy Psychologist explains 3 studies that looked at how we process porn and other sexualized images, and reveals the potential effects on the brain—and on how we see our fellow men and women