Featured
7 Surprising Mythbusters about Eating Disorders
As someone who has worked in the field of eating disorder (ED) treatment and prevention for 10 years, I am used to the way the disease operates and familiar with the seemingly backward truths that don’t fit the stereotypes...
Perfecting the Morning Routine – Tips for Parents
Would you like to get your children out of bed, fed and off to school on time without nagging, hassling, and threatening them? You deserve a peaceful morning routine as much as your children do...
What Happens in Marriage Counseling?
What To Expect in Couples and Marriage Counseling Family Psychology of South Bend comes from a tradition of clinicians who try to demystify counseling and psychology, thus the straight forward topic of today's article about...
Disrespectful Child
The article below was first written by Dr. Petersen for GoodTherapy.org and is published by them at http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/respect/. It is reproduced here with permission...
Anatomy of Marriage
Divorce and marital satisfaction are not in the stars or a matter of luck. They are highly predictable...
Morning Hassles With Your Preschooler
Sick and tired of getting started on the wrong foot with the children in the morning? Tired of herding the children through the morning sequence – out of bed, dressed, fed, school supplies readied? If so, you are in good...
All Press Posts
Violent threats at South Bend area schools surge after Florida shooting
Tribune reporter Lincoln Wright came to my office for an interview over my lunch break. I was particularly interested in this story because my children were at Adams High School when these threats were made...
Violent threats at South Bend area schools surge after Florida shooting
Safe Digital Dating
Melissa Stephens put together this very helpful piece on an issue I had not thought about previously...
Safe digital dating: Ways to stay protected
In the world of modern love, finding a soulmate can be as easy as a swipe on a screen.
‘Getting help is the key’: Expert gives advice to parents of kids with concerning behavior
Dr. John Petersen is included in this story about children and concerning behavior.
'Getting help is the key': Expert gives advice to parents of kids with concerning behavior
We've heard stories of kids acting out and becoming problems for their parents, and a recent incident in our area involved an 11-year-old boy allegedly shooting his father. There are resources available if you notice your child has concerning behavior. One of the first steps is accepting the truth. A local child behavior expert says it's important to trust your gut. It's easy to feel guilty for not raising your child correctly, but sending them to get help is worth it before it's too late.
Ask An Expert series with Dr. John Petersen
Ask An Expert series brings together local experts to answer questions and highlight local resources. An annual favorite is the show about managing holiday stress...
Protecting Your Mental Health and Talking to Kids During Coronavirus Outbreak
WSBT News called for an interview at the start of the local COVID-19 shut down...
Local psychologist offers tips on how to protect your mental health, talk to kids during coronavirus outbreak
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As students stay home due the COVID-19 outbreak, they may have questions, or even fears, about it. Closures for dozens of Michiana school districts because of the coronavirus go into effect this week. On Monday, School City of Mishawaka is shutting down for two weeks.
Parent Guilt Is Natural. Parent Shame Is Toxic
It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Virginia Pelley about fathers' toxic shame for Fatherly.com...
Parent Guilt Is Natural. Parent Shame Is Toxic
The True Costs Of Having A Second Child
My father and mentor in psychology is fond of saying, “Being born into a family is like being born into the middle of Act II in a three act play. That metaphorical context is most apt for the second born child...
The True Costs of Having a Second Child
WNDU Wellness Wednesday: Maintaining and improving mental health in the New Year
"Clinical psychologist Dr. John Petersen with Family Psychology of South Bend joined us to discuss New Years resolutions and maintaining and improving mental health...
Wellness Wednesdays: Eating Disorders
"Clinical psychologist Dr. John Petersen with Family Psychology of South Bend discusses healthy ways to understand and combat eating disorders for this week's Wellness Wednesday...