Breakups are tough, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Join Dr. Monica Johnson as she shares psychological insights on why relationships end, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to authentically heal and rebuild your life after heartbreak.

Dr. Monica Johnson reveals the powerful psychology behind hobbies and how they are essential for boosting mental health, reducing stress, and fostering joy. Discover why engaging in leisure activities can improve brain function, build social connections, and aid in trauma recovery, even when life feels overwhelming.

"Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) can feel like a "treat yourself" pass, but it's not magic; it's psychology. This episode looks at why BNPL systems are so seductive, especially for those with financial instability or emotional trauma. We also look at actionable steps to manage BNPL use, such as identifying the emotions behind spending and addressing financial shame.

Are you feeling lonely? Hear why making and keeping friends as an adult is harder than ever, and learn evidence-based strategies to build meaningful connections in a world that prioritizes productivity over people. Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/making-friends-as-adults/transcript Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 929-256-2191. 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. Monica Johnson is joined by Dr. Khadijah Cyril to discuss narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how it differs from typical harmful behaviors like lying and cheating. They explore the dynamics of relationships involving NPD, the influence of modern dating apps, and offer strategies for breaking free from unhealthy relationship cycles. Dr. Cyril emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing NPD and the importance of personal boundaries and support systems in such scenarios. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone dealing with unhealthy relationships, whether romantic or familial.

In this episode of Savvy Psychologist, host Dr. Monica Johnson delves deep into the world of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that influences our behavior, motivation, and pleasure. While dopamine is a vital part of our brain's functioning, an over-reliance on it can lead to various downsides affecting our mental and physical well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Johnson gets into the psychological reasons why sports betting can be so enticing, exploring the mental traps and risk factors involved. It also provides practical strategies for individuals struggling with sports betting to regain control and find healthier coping mechanisms.

Ever feel down after coming back from vacation? You're not alone! In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson dives into the science behind post-vacation sadness, exploring why that 'back to reality' feeling hits so hard. Learn about dopamine highs, harsh re-entries, lost anticipation joy, and social media comparisons. Plus, get practical tips on how to ease back into life and keep that vacation vibe alive. Tune in to understand your feelings and find ways to beat the post-vacation blues.

In order to understand panic attacks, we must first understand our own nervous system.

Learn practical, evidence-based communication strategies to deepen your relationships and combat loneliness. Psychologist Dr. Monica Johnson shares tips for active listening, vulnerability, and building emotional intimacy.

Sexual desire naturally ebbs and flows, but when it disappears for a while, it can leave you confused, disconnected, or worried. Monica unpacks the most common reasons for low libido—and how to talk about it with your partner without blame or shame.

Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder — or the brain of the perceiver? This week, Monica explores the psychology of attraction, why we’re drawn to certain people, and how looks are only part of the equation.

Oversharing can feel like connection in the moment and like regret afterward. In this episode, Monica unpacks the psychology behind why we say too much and how to create healthier boundaries around self-disclosure.

Gaslighting isn’t just a trendy term, it’s a serious form of emotional abuse that can leave you doubting your reality. Monica Johnson breaks down what gaslighting really is, how to recognize its subtle tactics, and what steps you can take to protect your mental health.

Menopause isn’t just a physical transition, it’s an emotional and mental minefield. In this episode, Monica dives into how fluctuating hormones impact mood, anxiety, sleep, and memory, and offers practical, science-backed strategies to feel more like yourself again. Spoiler alert: you’re not going crazy, and yes, brain fog is real.

Feeling overwhelmed by work, life, and everything in between? Monica breaks down Cognitive Load Theory, a powerful framework that explains why your brain feels like it’s maxed out, and what to do about it.

Confused about whether to see a therapist or a life coach? In this episode, Monica breaks down the key differences between these two professions, including training, scope of practice, and ethical responsibilities. Learn how to choose the right support for your needs.

Why do we love extremes, whether it’s thrill-seeking, viral controversies, or black-and-white thinking? Monica breaks down the psychology behind our attraction to intensity and how we can find balance in a world that rewards the extreme.

Feeling overwhelmed by the world's chaos? While we can't fix everything, we can hack our brains to boost happiness. In this episode, Monica breaks down the DOSE method: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. Learn simple, science-backed ways to activate these "happiness hormones" and bring more joy into your daily life.

Historically speaking, women have not been encouraged to authentically express their sexuality or to have sex-positive attitudes. Dr. Monica Johnson is here to help jump-start your journey on the pleasure train by letting you know about 5 factors that get in your way.