Welcome to the Bay Area
CBT Center Blog

Drs. Avigail Lev & Robyn Walser Discuss Narcissism on Psychologists Off The Clock Whether it’s your boss, your client, or a family member, interactions with a narcissist can be challenging. Narcissism can present as obvious grandiosity and self-importance but also shows up in more insidious and subtle ways. Covert forms of narcissism make interpersonal interactions...

In a world that often vilifies procrastination as the enemy of productivity, could there be a silver lining to delaying tasks? As it turns out, the neuroscience and genetics behind procrastination suggest that for some individuals, it’s not just a matter of poor time management but rather a deeply ingrained aspect of their cognitive makeup....

Becoming Our Best Relationship Selves By Identifying Core Values And Schemas With Avigail Lev In this episode, Yael discusses common struggles in adult romantic relationships with expert and author, Dr. Avigail Lev. Avigail discusses how early childhood experiences contribute to the development of schemas that can negatively impact our approaches to relationships. She explores how...

Dr. Lev describes how to create positive relationships Dr. Lev shares insight about interpersonal schemas and how they impact relationships. Click below to listen to full episode KZUM · Community Matters 4/24/17 – Abby Lev on positive relationships...

No relationship is perfect. No matter how long or how wonderful one’s significant other is, there will be inevitable disappointments, conflict, and issues — some more serious than others. Yes, while some problems are completely normal, some tread unhealthy territory. Codependency, detachment, and emotional deprivation are just a few issues that may require more than...

At the heart of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lies the understanding that attempting to control painful experiences can lead to more suffering. Instead, ACT teaches us to accept these experiences while committing to behaviors aligned with our values. Dropping the Struggle Society tries to convince us that we can control our internal experiences. We...

You may have noticed that “mindfulness” and “self-compassion” have become popular phrases on magazine covers and in self-help books. Unfortunately, it’s also true that people sometimes refer to mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance as if they are synonyms for the same idea. These three words actually represent distinct concepts, although they are interconnected. In short, mindfulness...

Schemas are the core beliefs we develop as a result of our early childhood interactions. They can inform many things about our adult lives, including the way we approach romantic relationships. For example, if you have ever found yourself feeling resentful and lonely in a relationship, a self-sacrifice schema could be at work. This is...

Tips to Procrastinate Effectively Most of us were taught that procrastination is not an effective strategy for getting things done. The common belief is that we shouldn’t put off assignments or projects until the last minute. The implication is that completing a task at the last second would mean being doomed to stress, chaos, and...

How many times have you walked into a restaurant or a movie theater and noticed that everyone is on their phone? Four friends might be sitting together having lunch, yet they are not really together, preferring to connect with a piece of technology, choosing to interact with an object rather than the people right in...

We often find ourselves repeating the same patterns over and over in relationships, so much so that it can sometimes feel like we’re dating or marrying the same person over and over. This is a common phenomenon, but there is a way to break these patterns, to have fulfilling relationships that reflect our deepest values....

Schemas are the mental frameworks that help us navigate the complex world around us. They are built from our cumulative experiences, starting from early childhood and continuously evolving throughout our lives. These schemas are essential for our survival; they allow us to process vast amounts of information rapidly by categorizing and interpreting new data based...

The excitement you feel when your social media post is “liked,” or otherwise validated, is due to the release of dopamine in your brain, which is also released during sex or a delicious meal. Increasingly, our brains are becoming conditioned and rewired to associate this boost of happiness with our online behaviors like social media,...

I’m frequently asked whether it’s ever OK to walk away from a fight. Absolutely, it’s essential. But the method you use to do so is crucial. In the midst of a heated argument or a high-stress situation, have you ever noticed how difficult it becomes to think clearly, make rational decisions, or even maintain a...

How do you tend to respond to a powerful urge? Are there certain experiences that show up more frequently for you? Are there particular experiences that you attempt to avoid? Let’s be proactive by getting curious and mindful of these urges and learn how urge surfing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help. What urges...