Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

Why Understanding Narcissism Matters: Unpacking Its Impact on Relationships and Mental Health

When we explore the concept of narcissism, we're not merely discussing a trivial personality trait; we're addressing a profound psychological condition that intersects diagnostic criteria and real-world implications. Narcissism is both a clinical personality disorder and a behavioral pattern that significantly impacts interpersonal relationships and individual well-being. Today, I aim to peel back the layers of narcissism, from its overt forms to the subtle manifestations of covert narcissism.  I'll dissect strategies like the DARVO method, which plays a central role in narcissistic manipulation.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

How Perfectionism Could Be Holding You Back: Understanding Its Hidden Costs

Today, let’s unpack a topic that touches many of us, particularly those who lean towards high achievement and meticulous attention to detail: perfectionism. As a licensed therapist and a creator who digs deep into the science behind our behaviors, I’ve seen firsthand how perfectionism can serve as both a superpower and a kryptonite.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

How to Make Daily Movement a Habit for Stress and Anxiety Relief

If you're anything like me, stress and anxiety are unwelcome guests that pop up more often than we'd like. Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: the importance of daily movement in managing stress and anxiety. Let's break down the science and explore how moving our bodies can be a game-changer.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

Inside Digital Anxiety: The Role of Urgency in Modern Stress

Do you ever feel a relentless urge to respond to messages immediately? Whether it’s a work email, a friend's text, or a social media comment, there’s often this nagging feeling that compels you to reply right away, as if every notification is a life-or-death situation.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

Why You Feel Exhausted After Work: The Science Behind Functional Freeze

Today, I'm diving into a topic that might hit close to home for many of you: "functional freeze." Ever find yourself smashing through tasks all day like a productivity machine, only to come home and collapse into a non-functional heap? Yeah, me too. This phenomenon, often referred to as functional freeze, is more common than you might think. Let's break down what it is, why it happens, and how we can manage it.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

Why You're Never Satisfied and How to Change It with "The Gap and The Gain"

I recently immersed myself in The Gap and The Gain by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, and it sparked a profound shift in my understanding of personal growth and happiness. This book presents a compelling argument for rethinking how we measure success, advocating for a transition from Gap-thinking to Gain-thinking. Let's delve into the core concepts, explore the psychological foundations, and examine practical strategies for adopting a Gain-oriented mindset.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

How Guilt and Anxiety Actually Ruin Your Relationships

We hear a lot about "boundaries" in pop psychology. It’s almost become a buzzword. So, let's call them "safety zones" instead......it's more descriptive of their intended purpose. The idea is the same: setting clear lines about what's okay and what’s not in our relationships.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

Stop the Stress: Why We Overthink Our Future Emotions and How to Fix It

Today, I’m diving into something quite intriguing called affective forecasting and its substantial role in our everyday lives—often in ways we don't anticipate. Affective forecasting involves predicting how we’ll feel in future situations, like whether we'll be happy or sad in various scenarios. But here's the kicker: we're often not as accurate as we think. Let’s explore why this happens and how it’s connected to feelings like anxiety.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

Why Your Parent's Emotional Maturity Matters More Than You Think

Growing up with an emotionally immature parent can shape your personality and your way of dealing with relationships in more ways than one might expect. Let’s break down what it means to have an emotionally immature parent and explore the science behind its impact on you as their adult child.

Read More
Kristen Jacobsen Kristen Jacobsen

Why Do We Judge Others?

Why do we judge others? It’s a question that doesn’t just touch on the basics of human behavior but digs into deeper psychological underpinnings. As someone who’s fascinated by how our minds work, I find this topic incredibly rich and full of insights, especially when we connect it to broader themes like anxiety and social interaction.

Read More