Life coaching is a collaborative process that supports learning, growth, and improved performance for the person being coached (Lennard, 2010). It helps clients create balance and wellbeing by guiding them toward living their fullest potential. Unlike many forms of therapy that concentrate on diagnosing or treating problems, coaching emphasizes strengths and future-focused solutions. Coaches work … Read more

Summary: A recent study investigates why some individuals are more likely to help others, revealing distinct patterns of brain activity and differences in oxytocin signaling. In an experiment with rats, animals that consistently helped distressed peers showed stronger activation in brain regions linked to empathy and motivation, along with higher expression of oxytocin receptors. These … Read more

Summary: New research shows that, over the course of a few hours of practice, the brain reorganizes activity in more limited ways than scientists previously believed. Source: Carnegie Mellon University Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh report that, when people learn a new task, the brain reorganizes neural activity using constrained … Read more

The workplace plays a central role in most people’s daily lives. Because many spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else, it is essential that employees feel connected, supported, and respected by colleagues, supervisors, and leaders. Cultural and psychosocial hazards—such as poor interpersonal relationships and inadequate workplace policies—contribute significantly to stress and reduced wellbeing. … Read more

Researchers have identified a signaling pathway by which the brain controls a protein that regulates L-type calcium channels—channels that are essential for forming long-term memories and have been linked to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The finding comes from a team led by Alexei Morozov, an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute. Their … Read more

Identifying personal strengths is a vital step on the path to self-improvement. Through thoughtful reflection, recognizing one’s strengths often boosts self-confidence and overall wellbeing. Although strengths-based models and positive psychology are well established in research and practice, applying these concepts in real-world sessions can be challenging. Learning how to use strength cards effectively with clients … Read more

Summary: New research from the University of the Basque Country shows that running a marathon can cause a temporary reduction in brain myelin—the fatty, lipid-rich insulation that surrounds nerve fibers and supports efficient neural signaling. The decrease in myelin was observed in brain regions involved in motor coordination, sensory processing and emotional integration, and appears … Read more

Summary: Children who regularly hear a variety of regional and foreign accents gain an advantage in learning new words. Source: University of Freiburg Elementary school children who are frequently exposed to a range of regional and foreign accents find it easier to learn new vocabulary from peers who speak with unfamiliar accents. This conclusion comes … Read more

Counseling can be a powerful resource for people working to resolve persistent problems or to align their daily choices with long-term values and goals (Cochran & Cochran, 2015). Beyond specific interventions, the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is central to effective work. Regardless of technique, the shared objective is to help clients live more … Read more

Summary: A long-term study found that women who developed high blood pressure in their 40s had a substantially higher risk of dementia later in life compared with women whose blood pressure remained normal. The increased risk was not observed for men in this cohort. Source: AAN New research reported in the October 4, 2017, online … Read more