Newly published research in American Psychologist presents a neuroscientific understanding of group music making. The research conducted by Bar-Ilan University and the University of Chicago introduce how brain functions including empathy circuits, reward and motivation, dopamine release, language structures and cortisol are impacted by the social act.

Science X. (2021, June 10). What happens in the brain when people make music together? Medical Xpress - medical research advances and health news. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-06-brain-people-music.html.

Dr. Laurie Santos explores the psychological benefits of decluttering our calendars and planners. Her discussion with co-founder of Idler, Tom Hodgkinson presents the potential benefits of time spent wandering, thinking, and napping on leading happy, fulfilled, and creative lives. This podcast helps listeners think about how to “give ourselves the benefit of time“.

Singapore Connect is a voluntary non-profit organization supporting a community of overseas Singaporeans.

Featured as a guest speaker on the weekly COVID-19 Community forum, Dr. Benjamin addresses several mental health concerns and answers questions from community members.

As 24-hour news cycles and increasing unpredictability continue to amass around the globe, children are soaking up information regarding the caronavirus COVID-19 from teachers, friends, and their parents.

Dr. Jamie Howard from the Child Mind Institute describes strategies for parents to consider to help children manage their anxiety and questions about the current health crisis.

Child Mind Institute. (2020, March 9). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Get the latest information from the CDC about COVID-19. CDC How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus. Retrieved March 13, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=214&v=WhVad8ToCiU&feature=emb_title

"The world is uncertain and as parents, we can’t guarantee that bad things won’t happen"

Dr. Annie Simpson explores the societal impact the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 presents while also outlining helpful pointers for parents. To access the article, click here.

Simpson, A. (2020, February 19). How to Talk to Your Anxious Child About the Coronavirus. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-is-not-the-boss/202002/how-talk-your-anxious-child-about-the-coronavirus

Bedtime fears and nightmares may arise due to various reasons in children. Although psychotherapy and parenting consultations offer a tailored and comprehensive approach to addressing nightmares, there are various things parents and caregivers can do at home to help children facing these challenges. The National Sleep Foundation offers an array of strategies parents and caregivers can explore. To learn more about the National Sleep Foundation’s recommendations on managing bedtime fears and nightmares, click here.

Mindell, J. (2010, June). Nightmares in Children: Solutions & Answers. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/children-and-bedtime-fears-and-nightmares.

Rainn Wilson and Reza Aslan explore findings from the Cigna Corporation’s recent study on loneliness in their podcast, Metaphysical Milkshake. The Cigna 2018 U.L. Loneliness Index, which was based on findings from a survey of 20,000 U.S. adults, reveals that Generation Z (adults ages 18-22) are considered the loneliest population in the country.

The host’s special guest, University of Southern California Dean of Religious Life - Varun Soni, further discuss how trends in social media and technology use contribute to rising levels of loneliness and mental illness among young adult college students. As professors are challenged to meet the high demand of students wanting to enroll in classes like “Friendship 101“ while young people “speak with their thumbs and not their tongues” Rainn, Wilson, and Soni engage in a meaningful discussion on the social and emotional pitfalls facing teenagers and young adults across the country today.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

Cigna. (2018). Cigna 2018 U.S. Loneliness Index. Retrieved from https://www.cigna.com/assets/docs/newsroom/loneliness-survey-2018-fact-sheet.pdf.

Rainn, W., & Aslan, R. (2019, September 25). Retrieved from https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/soulpancake/metaphysical-milkshake/why-are-we-so-lonely/1db625ef-8a9d-4048-87b5-d2c5b7093df2

In collaboration with Sassy Mama - Singapore, Dr. Benjamin shares his experience serving in the Singapore’s Armed Forces. As there are many forms of National Service in Singapore, an array of potential challenges and rewards are afforded to national servicemen and women. In his article, Dr. Benjamin discusses some of his own.

Dr. Enrico Gnaulati presents and discusses the therapeutic impact of rough-and-tumble play when working with child clients in Play Therapy Magazine . Dr. Benjamin has collaborated with the author in providing play therapy to children and draws from various approaches outlined in the article when working with children. To access the article, click here.

Gnaulati, E. (2013, December). The Therapeutic Use of Rough-And-Tumble Play. Play Therapy Magazine, 12-15.

Building upon recommendations from the Academy of American Pediatrics recommendations on limiting screen time for children, Billy Steele of Engadget presents concrete ways in which parents can implement plans to limit access to iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and WiFi access. To access the full article, click here.

Steele, B. (2019, May 09). How to manage your child's screen time.

Given the rise of various electronic devises, digital connectivity, and access points to gaming parents face a significant challenge in creating and sustaining a healthy environment for children and teens. The American Psychological Association recognizes this and offers various guidelines informed by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for children’s media use. To read more, click here.

American Psychological Association. (2019). Digital Guidelines: Promoting Healthy Technology Use for Children.