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For psychotherapy to be truly effective, psychological research must be objective and free from biases. Only by grounding treatment in unbiased science can we ensure we’re providing the best care for every individual.

submitted 36 days ago • 0 comments

Culture shapes behavior, but did you know it's a two-way street? New insights show how cultural learning influences minds AND how our minds evolve to adapt to culture. For therapists, this means understanding cultural context is key to effective practice.

submitted 37 days ago • 0 comments

Cognitive-behavioral therapy isn’t about choosing logic over emotions or vice versa. It’s about helping the rational and emotional parts of the brain collaborate—so you can think clearly and feel deeply without being overwhelmed by either.

submitted 43 days ago • 0 comments

Emotional growth starts with flexible thinking. If emotions are seen as "all good" or "all bad," psychodynamic insights can fall flat. CBT helps shift this rigid mindset, paving the way for deeper emotional acceptance and lasting change.

submitted 44 days ago • 0 comments

Psychotherapy thrives when it taps into the power of social learning—what we model, teach, & share in session becomes the seeds for personal growth. Culture shapes us, but we can shape ourselves too.

submitted 46 days ago • 0 comments

Understanding social evolution helps therapists see the "why" behind human behavior. When we grasp how our brains and emotions evolved for connection and survival, we can guide clients toward healthier, more adaptive patterns.

submitted 46 days ago • 0 comments

www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/co...

submitted 47 days ago • 0 comments

Ever wonder how humans find meaning and purpose? Look to the animal kingdom. From complex social bonds to problem-solving for survival, animals remind us that purpose often emerges from connection, adaptation, and the drive to thrive.

submitted 49 days ago • 0 comments

Eco-therapy taps into our animal instincts, grounding us in nature's rhythms. Paradoxically, it also deepens our humanity—helping us connect, reflect, and grow in ways only humans can.

submitted 49 days ago • 0 comments

Humans gambling at a casino and birds taking risky dives for food share a common thread: the thrill of uncertainty. From ancient instincts to modern slot machines, the gamble is rooted in the primal drive for reward.

submitted 52 days ago • 0 comments

Humans aren't alone in chasing 'why.' Just as we seek causality to make sense of the world, animals follow instincts to uncover patterns—like birds tracking seasons or chimps using tools. The drive to connect cause and effect is a shared thread in nature’s survival playbook.

submitted 55 days ago • 0 comments

Humans are wired to seek causality—it's in our nature to connect the dots, uncover 'why,' and make sense of the chaos. From ancient myths to modern science, the drive to understand cause and effect shapes our stories, discoveries, and progress.

submitted 55 days ago • 0 comments

In behavioral psychology it is useful to note difference between drives and instincts.Drives push animals to act to satisfy internal needs, while instincts guide specific, pre-programmed actions (like a bird building a nest). Drives are about 'why,' instincts are about 'how.

submitted 56 days ago • 0 comments

Eye contact: a powerful nonverbal cue shared by humans and animals. In wolves, it asserts dominance; in humans, it builds trust (or tension). The eyes truly are windows to intent.

submitted 59 days ago • 0 comments

Instincts are nature's wisdom, honed over millennia. Animals respond swiftly and effectively to survive. Sometimes, overthinking leads humans astray—reminding us that instinct can be just as powerful as planning.

submitted 61 days ago • 0 comments

Humans grasp cause and effect, shaping the world with tools, plans, and innovation. Animals, while capable of learning patterns, often respond instinctively. This difference defines our impact on the planet—and our responsibility to understand it.

submitted 61 days ago • 0 comments

BBC article referencing some of the work on social prescribing and the benefits of nature. bbc.com/future/artic...

submitted 63 days ago • 0 comments

Studies show many animals grasp cause-effect relationships in specific contexts, like using tools or problem-solving. But full abstract understanding like humans? That's still up for debate!#ComparativePsychology

submitted 62 days ago • 0 comments

Studies show that threatening dream content is disproportionately common. This may stem from an evolutionary need to practice dealing with predators, adversaries, or other dangers, thereby enhancing preparedness for real-life threats.

submitted 64 days ago • 0 comments

Psychotherapy isn’t about ‘getting over it.’ It’s about learning to adapt, heal, and grow through the changes life throws at you. Progress isn’t forgetting the pain—it’s building a life around it.

submitted 64 days ago • 0 comments

Are you familiar with the growing body of research on how climate change is reshaping birds' bodies? Here's a great overview of how this trend is playing out in Australia. #ornithology

submitted 64 days ago • 0 comments

Why do we dream? Research on animals reveals it's more than just imagination. Dreams may help process emotions, consolidate memories, and even simulate future challenges. A mental dress rehearsal for life!#ComparativePsychology

submitted 64 days ago • 0 comments

As we enter this holiday season remember that getting along with others is not always necessary. Human and nonhuman animal research shows having others in our life is not always better than being by ourselves. Depends on the quality of the others.#ComparativePsychology

submitted 66 days ago • 0 comments

Ethological research reveals behavior as it naturally occurs, offering deeper insights into animals (and humans!) in real-world contexts. Lab experiments may isolate variables, but they often miss the complexity of life.#ComparativePsychology

submitted 67 days ago • 0 comments

www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/co...

submitted 69 days ago • 0 comments

www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/co...

submitted 69 days ago • 0 comments

My opinion is that modern counseling is often poor because counselors often want to just insist their clients change. Getting humans to change is like training a cat to fetch: possible, but only if they decide it’s worth it. #ComparativePsychology

submitted 69 days ago • 0 comments

Want to truly understand animal behavior? Ethology observes animals in their natural habitats, revealing authentic behaviors shaped by evolution. Lab-based neuroscience & experiments can distort context. Nature is the ultimate teacher.#ComparativePsychology

submitted 69 days ago • 0 comments

Animal behavior studies reveal addictive behaviors hijack the brain's reward system: intermittent reinforcement (unpredictable rewards) makes habits harder to break, while strong cravings are driven by the anticipation of the reward, not the reward itself.#ComparativePsychology

submitted 71 days ago • 0 comments

Can dogs get depressed? While not identical to human depression, dogs can experience sadness or lethargy due to changes like loss, loneliness, or stress. Keep an eye on their behavior and show them love—they need it too!#ComparativePsychology

submitted 72 days ago • 0 comments

www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/co...

submitted 74 days ago • 0 comments

I am glad that my first post here is to share an article I wrote for the Southwestern Psychological Association entitled "Appreciating What Comparative Psychology and Clinical Psychology Can offer Each Other": swpsych.org/Newsletters

submitted 74 days ago • 0 comments