About the Sassy Psychologist
The Sassy Psychologist was born one hot summer day, over cold lemonade, when two old high school friends were chatting about hopes and dreams for the future. It is a raw, sassy, no-holds-barred blog about love, life, and the pursuit of happiness. Enjoy.
Anna
Man, am I ever having a lot of fun writing this blog! I used to think that I’d pursue scholarly work and academia my entire life but…not gonna lie, a) it got boring and b) I was tired of working my tail off and getting so little satisfaction, recognition, and compensation. Maybe it was after giving birth to my baby girl prematurely (she was born at 2 lbs and 12 ounces), that I finally got my head out of my arse to realize that life was to be spent loving, sharing, and having fun. Teaching psychology in a fun and dynamic way is a passion of mine and I’ve decided to pursue it here. I’ve actually dedicated this blog to my baby girl for inspiring me to follow my heart. I know…cheesy right? I also need to thank one of my most treasured mentor’s Sandra Reich, the clinical director of the Montreal Center for Anxiety and Depression (www.helpforanxietydepression.com), bestselling author, and radio host of Straight Talk with Sandra Reich. Her support, inspiration, and encouragement have truly motivated me into becoming the practitioner, woman, and mom I am today. Last, to my friend and business partner (how weird is that to say, eh?), Sarah. I need to thank her for that hot summer day when she indulged my annoying rant about “doing something more” and “having fun” and “being creative” and “blah blah blah….” Thanks for making this happen, babe.
Ok so, I’m a psychologist and I love what I do (I mean, academia wasn’t fun but the practice of psychology… I love). HOWEVER in my practice, I have to follow a series of strict rules, codes, and guidelines. And, to that I say, “ummmm yea, of course I do!!!” I mean, I can’t go around running my mouth off to the entire free world about my clients’ personal information and most intimate details – I take confidentiality very seriously. However after having seen hundreds of people, I have learned too much about human behaviour to not jump to the punchline. Here’s a taste of what I mean:
Are you still single and unhappy about it? Guess what? It’s your fault and I can explain why.
Are you a mother, teacher or a nurse (or a psychologist for that matter)? If so, you’re likely caring for the people in your personal life, excessively and to a fault. At the same time, you are foregoing your own needs and comforts. This can and will lead to a burn out. Trust me.
Do you repress feelings? Beware. Repressed emotions will likely lead to anxiety problems in the future. I see it daily!
I clearly have the need to elaborate on phenomena like these in a no-holds-barred/matter-of-fact/cut-the-crap-already, kind of way. I want to discuss the numerous traps ordinary people fall into everyday so that we can learn from these common mistakes. And listen…I make no excuses about the fact that this blog may entirely be about me – my catharsis, my reflection, and my need for self-expression. But hey even if that is true, hopefully I can help people while I’m at it.
Sarah
I love all things design and web. Although I’ve been in the web industry for over 10 years now, I have never owned or created a blog. I had never had an interest in blogging. Then one day, chatting with Anna, for the very first time I found a passion and a desire to get behind a blog project. I had always had an interest in self-help and self improvement, but the way Anna speaks about psychology is contagious and I was eager to jump on that train!
So, I will endeavour to put all of my creative skills to good use to keep this blog as beautiful as it is informative, as soft in it’s design as it is in-your-face in it’s message. I hope you enjoy the reading as much as we enjoy the blogging! Happy reading!