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.
National Quitters Day Isn't About Quitting. It's About What You Tell Yourself Next
Quitting isn’t why resolutions fail. The real problem is believing change requires more discipline instead of a smarter understanding of how your brain works. When you stop shaming yourself and start interrupting autopilot, everything shifts.
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.
Is Your Greatest Strength Holding You Back?
Your strengths got you here—but now they may be holding you back. Find out why flipping to the opposite extreme doesn’t work, and how a subtle shift can unlock lasting change.
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.
From Boardroom to Breakthroughs: How the Corporate World Made Me a Better Therapist
What does real resilience look like? Dr. Jan shares how her pivot from corporate leader to psychologist shaped her unconventional approach to therapy—and what it means for high achievers, parents, and anyone feeling off course.
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.
Rebuilding Bridges: What I’ve Learned About Parent and Adult-Child Estrangement
Estranged from your adult child? Learn why today’s parent-child cutoffs are more common—and more complex—than ever. Discover mindset shifts, resilience tools, and strategic steps to help you stay grounded and open the door to reconnection.
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.
Estranged: When Holidays Hurt
Holidays can be particularly painful for parents estranged from adult children. Dr. Jan Anderson provides compassionate insight into this 'silent epidemic,' offering strategies to cope, maintain hope, and work towards reconnection. Learn how to navigate this challenging time while fostering personal growth and resilience.
Empathy 101 for A-Holes: A Love Story
Follow one couple's journey from disconnection to understanding as Dr. Jan Anderson guides a self-proclaimed 'A-hole' to discover his innate capacity for empathy. Learn practical strategies for improving communication, deepening emotional connections, and reigniting love in your relationship - all while staying true to yourself.
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.
The Argument Antidote
Think some conflicts are unsolvable? Think again. Dr. Jan Anderson shares insights from relationship experts on how to navigate perpetual disagreements without damaging your partnership. Learn practical, counterintuitive techniques to address issues constructively, enhance communication, and strengthen your bond. Discover why love alone isn't enough and how mastering these skills can transform your relationship, even when facing seemingly insurmountable differences.
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.
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.
When Mother’s Day Hurts
Mother's Day can be a heart-wrenching time for mothers estranged from their adult children. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this 'silent epidemic,' offering profound insights on why traditional reconciliation methods often backfire and how to navigate this painful journey. Learn counterintuitive yet effective strategies for coping, from backing off to honoring other mothers, and discover how to maintain hope while working towards possible reconnection. This compassionate guide provides a lifeline for those grappling with the complex emotions of parent-child estrangement.
Boost Your Coping Skills with Both/And Thinking: The Pandemic and Beyond
In a world of polarizing viewpoints, both/and thinking offers a powerful alternative. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this transformative cognitive approach, sharing insights from personal experiences and mentors. Discover how expanding your 'container' to hold conflicting ideas can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and enhanced resilience in times of crisis. Whether you're navigating personal conflicts or global uncertainties, this guide provides practical strategies to cultivate a more nuanced and adaptable mindset.

