Dr. Jan’s LifeWise Words of Wisdom
When life turns up the pressure—whether in your career, your relationships, or your family—you need more than surface-level advice. You need tools that work.
These blogs deliver clear, science-backed strategies to help you think sharply, stay grounded, and take meaningful action.
Whether you’re working to reconnect with an estranged child, strengthen your marriage under pressure, or navigate a pivotal career moment without losing your edge, you’ll find actionable insights here.
No fluff. No toxic positivity. Just real talk about growth, resilience, and lasting change.
Search to find more articles on EXECUTIVE LIFE COACHING, FAMILY ESTRANGEMENT COACHING, COUPLES COACHING, AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY.
You Don’t Need to Reinvent Yourself. You Just Need to Recalibrate.
Before you set new goals, pause.
This year-end reflection for high achievers shows how to reflect on what’s working, refocus your energy, and reset without pressure—so change actually sticks.
Why Self-Compassion Feels Dangerous to High Achievers—And Why It’s Actually Your Greatest Advantage
Think toughness drives success? Burnout isn’t proof you’re weak—it’s a signal you’re pushing the wrong way. Discover the science-backed strategies high achievers use to reset with compassion, recover faster, and lead smarter.
How to Find the Right Therapist: The One Question That Matters Most
Feeling stuck, burned out, or just not yourself? Learn the one question that determines whether therapy will work—and why it’s not what you think. Discover how real change starts with the right connection.
Why You Don’t Need to Be a Perfect Mom
Struggling with mom guilt or perfectionism? Discover why being a “good enough” mother is more powerful than chasing the myth of the perfect mom—and how to redefine what it means to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids.
Unlock the Surprising Science Behind Habit Change: Curiosity Beats Willpower
Discover why curiosity, not willpower, is the key to breaking stubborn habit loops. In this article, Dr. Jan Anderson explains how to rewire your brain’s reward system and create lasting, positive change—without the usual struggle.
Self-Compassion is the New Self-Esteem: How to Not Be So Mean to Yourself.
Discover how three simple questions at the end of each therapy session can dramatically improve your counseling experience. This article delves into the concept of self-compassion, debunking common misconceptions and offering practical exercises. Learn how cultivating self-compassion can lead to better relationships, improved self-esteem, and a more fulfilling life.
How to Have a Breakthrough Without Going Through a Breakdown
Ever wondered why therapy can feel unsettling yet rewarding? This article delves into the neuroscience of change, explaining why discomfort often precedes breakthroughs. Learn about the RAIN technique and how it can help you navigate personal growth without overwhelming stress. Discover how to embrace change and achieve meaningful transformations.
Mom Guilt? How to Give Yourself — and Your Loved Ones — a Break.
Mom guilt: a universal yet rarely discussed challenge of modern motherhood. This article explores the evolutionary roots of maternal guilt, its impact on marriages, and its manifestation across cultures. Learn strategies to balance your role as a mother with your personal identity, and discover how overcoming guilt can strengthen family relationships.
The Upside of a Self-Absorbed Mother
In this candid reflection, Dr. Jan Anderson uncovers the surprising benefits of growing up with a self-absorbed mother. Through poignant anecdotes and professional insights, she illustrates how challenging childhood experiences can cultivate resilience, independence, and self-awareness. Discover how embracing the complexities of difficult family dynamics can lead to personal growth and emotional healing.
How to Ask for Help When You're a Perfectionist
Perfectionists, take heart! Dr. Jan Anderson offers a candid look at her own struggle with perfectionism while writing a book, revealing valuable strategies for seeking help without compromising your self-image. Learn how to reframe 'asking for help' as a strength, not a weakness, and discover face-saving techniques that make reaching out for support more palatable. This insightful guide shows how even the most accomplished professionals can benefit from counseling and coaching.
Tired of Being Triggered? How to Not Lose It with the People You Love.
Navigating emotional triggers in relationships can feel like walking through a minefield. Dr. Jan Anderson offers a therapist's perspective on staying calm when tensions run high. Learn counterintuitive yet effective strategies to manage your emotions, from embracing feelings to practicing self-compassion. Discover how these techniques can transform difficult conversations and strengthen your relationships, even in the most challenging times.
Suicidal Thoughts? They're Not a Good Predictor of Suicide
Suicidal thoughts are more common than you might think, but they're not always the best predictor of suicide attempts. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into the nuances of suicide prevention, sharing professional insights and personal experiences. Learn why connection trumps technique in crisis intervention, how to approach someone in distress, and the surprising role of the 'inner critic' in suicidal ideation. This compassionate exploration offers a fresh perspective on supporting those struggling with thoughts of suicide.
The Problem with Relationships: We Crave Connection. That Seriously Freaks Us Out. Here’s How to Handle It.
We crave connection, yet fear vulnerability - it's the ultimate relationship paradox. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this common dilemma, offering professional insights on why we struggle and how to overcome it. Discover the 'universal law of relationships' and learn practical strategies to balance emotional openness with personal strength. Whether you're dealing with family estrangement or seeking deeper connections, this guide provides a fresh perspective on building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
My Father, Money and Me
Our relationship with money often has deep roots in childhood experiences. Dr. Jan Anderson offers a candid look at how her father's approach to finances shaped her own attitudes, and how mindfulness meditation unveiled these unconscious patterns. Journey through her personal and professional insights on financial resilience, forgiveness, and breaking generational cycles. This introspective piece provides valuable perspectives on understanding and transforming our complex relationships with money.

