Category: Research
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Things that make us happy
Sonja Lyubomirsky from the University of California has done some interesting research comparing people who describe themselves as happy or unhappy. She found that 40 per cent of our happiness is within our power to change! Lyubomirsky identified 12 scientifically robust ways in which we act and think that naturally enhance happiness. 1) Express gratitude. 2) Cultivate optimism: Lyubomirsky suggests imagining…
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How can I be happier?
When we think forward or look back, we often reflect on how happiness fits into our lives. The pursuit of happiness is one of the most common goals of new psychotherapy clients. “I just want to be happy” is a well-heard phrase. So how can we be happier? What does the research say? Hannah Booth, of the…
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The marshmallow experiment
What happens if you ask a child to delay gratification? Take a look at this video… Joachim De Posada gives a very interesting interpretation of the marshmallow experiment. Could this be the exlpanation of success?
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Is therapy worth it?
One of the most frequently asked questions about therapy is whether it is worth the expense? Certainly beginning a course of therapy is a financial commitment and of course we want to know if it is likely to ‘pay off’. A study by Chris Boyce at the University of Warwick, England reported by the Bet Israel…
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Looking at cake can make me healthier?!
Apparently so. Contrary to popular belief, the New Scientist reports that images of unhealthy foods instead of resulting in temptation, actually promote healthy eating. Dr Floor Kroese, a Psychologist at Uterecht University in the Netherlands, found that the weight-conscious women in her study who were shown pictures of chocolate cake were more likely to choose to eat healthy…
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How can I promote emotional well-being?
There are lots of ways in which we can encourage our sense of wellness. The following is a list, based on an article by The Mental Health Foundation. which summarises some excellent ideas for boosting our emotional well-being and getting the most out of life. 1) “It’s good to talk” It is important to…
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Aliyah and Identity: ‘The heartache of two homelands’
Perhaps only migrating birds know– Suspended between earth and sky– The heartache of two homelands. —Leah Goldberg, 1970 Leah Goldberg’s poem ‘Pine’ poignantly captures the ambivalent position of many Olim caught between two countries and two identities. For many, negotiation of a more complex, integrated identity that sits between two cultures is realisable.…
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Happiness – can we map the genes?
New research from Tel Aviv University by Yoram Barak claims that we may one day be able to find the genetic component of happiness, which may be up to 50% responsible for an optimistic outlook. The researchers are excited that we may potentially be able to manipulate systems and increase levels of happiness. Clearly, such…
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Homosexuality and therapy – are we asking the right questions?
In the aftermath of shock following the shooting at the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Association building last month, sexuality issues have become a popular discussion in the media. A number of articles of late have been focused on whether it is possible to ‘convert’ homosexual men and women to heterosexuals (for example click…
Dr. Lisa Law, ClinPsyD 