The Art and Science of Living Well

Money Can Buy Happiness, but Hobbies are Even Better

If you saw his Ted talk, you may already be familiar with Princeton psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s research on happiness. Dr. Kahneman and a group of researchers surveyed people across income brackets in a national sample on their overall happiness.

 

Those who made $90,000 reported being twice as happy as those who made $20,000. However, an interesting thing happens around the $50,000 mark: happiness begins to level off.  There’s little difference between the happiness of people who make between $50,000 – 89,000 and those in the highest income groups (e.g., over $100,000).

 

A Key to Increased Happiness: Engage in Active Pursuits

 

Kahneman and colleagues offer an explanation for this trend. They suggest that higher income people, although they work more, spend more free time in active pursuits...

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The Courage to Survive, Thrive, and Tell About It: Marsha Linehan’s Journey

Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. is easily one of the most influential psychologists of the past thirty years. She is a giant in the field. I remember the first time I met her -- she seemed  to eclipse the other, also very prominent psychologists who were sitting next to her. Her presence is powerful and imposing. And she has suffered greatly.

 

Dr. Linehan is the creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a cognitive-behavioral therapy that is closely related to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and which is often focused on helping people who are chronically suicidal and self-harming, behaviors with which that many clinicians are often uncomfortable working. I have always had a great deal of respect for her contributions and for her committed service to those who others often shun.  

 

And yet, while she has dedicated her entire professional life to working with people who are among the most stigmatized in our society, that stigma also...

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"Portland Psychotherapy is special. I have the utmost confidence in each of the clinicians here. They are compassionate, genuine, and have formed a model clinic in the scientist-practioner tradition. They are committed to effectively implementing research-supported treatments and also work to advance the science in our field through psychotherapy research. The clinic enjoys an outstanding reputation among other mental health professionals as a top-notch evidence-based practice. This is a place I would refer a family member or close friend."

- B.G.

"This clinic is run by leading experts in the field, using evidence based methods that have been shown to work. If you are facing complex or long-standing problems then this is definitely the place to go. You will receive treatment from experienced, compassionate, well trained therapists who will deliver a high level of care. I have known and worked with Jason Luoma for over 6 years and can tell you that he is very committed to helping people develop lives that are fulfilling and satisfying."

- M.W.

"Portland Psychotherapy is a unique and valuable resource in our community as it is staffed by therapists trained in various specialty areas. Drs. LeJeune and Luoma, who started the clinic, are highly respected professionals in the community, known for their extensive knowledge and expertise as therapists, researchers, and trainers. I have referred several of my clients to Portland Psychotherapy and have been most impressed and reassured by the feedback I have received about their experience. I have no hesitation about continuing to refer my clients to Portland Psychotherapy and appreciate the high quality of care that is provided by the professionals in this practice."

- M.B.

"Portland Psychotherapy is a unique practice. It not only provides knowledgeable, compassionate and highly effective treatments for their clients, but it is also a place where the therapists are actively involved in cutting edge clinical research to find ever more effective ways to serve their clients to help improve the quality of their lives. I know all of the therapists in this practice through participation in an ongoing peer consultation group for over 2 years, and I can say without hesitation that these are the professionals I would send my family and friends to if they needed help."

-S.B.

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ACT on Life: Stop Struggling and Start Living
Tuesday or Wednesday nights 5:30 - 7:00 pm, start date to be determined