Michael Berger, LSW's Avatar

Michael Berger, LSW

@alittlebitkinder.bsky.social

Founder of A Little Bit Kinder & Practice Kinder. Sharing science-backed strategies for growth and healing. Training mental health pros in kind conversations: MI, crisis de-escalation, and suicide discussion https://alittlebitkinder.substack.com/

2,052 Followers  |  4,507 Following  |  82 Posts  |  Joined: 10.04.2025
Posts Following

Posts by Michael Berger, LSW (@alittlebitkinder.bsky.social)

Preview
The Hard Truth About Why You Fail How to change your mindset to succeed.

"Failure" is an interesting psychological concept. Let's talk about it.

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

12.11.2025 13:41 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
A Little Bit Kinder | Michael Berger, LSW | Substack Mission: To create content that helps individuals and professionals cultivate greater kindnessβ€”toward themselves and othersβ€”through storytelling, research-backed psychology, and accessible mental heal...

Kindness isn’t just a feeling; it’s chemistry. Every time you’re kind, your brain releases oxytocin (aka the love hormone). Science says kindness is contagious. Ready to start an epidemic?
alittlebitkinder.substack.com

11.11.2025 13:26 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
When Everything Feels Like It’s Falling Apart How to Keep Going Anyway

An oldie but a goody, for anyone going through a tough time.
It’s grounded in science and written to offer real support.

Share it in the hope that someone who needs it will see it. And if you believe in the power of kindness, consider subscribing for free.

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

10.11.2025 17:57 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Ever catch yourself thinking, β€œI’m only valuable if I’m productive”? That story can feel true, but it’s not the whole truth. Let’s explore why our brains cling to these narratives and how to rewrite them with kindness and science.

10.11.2025 17:38 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Looking through 2 silhouetted small tree branches with some autumn foliage onto a sparkly reflection of sunlight on blue sparkling river water

Looking through 2 silhouetted small tree branches with some autumn foliage onto a sparkly reflection of sunlight on blue sparkling river water

We might begin each meditation with three words only:
Who
Am
I

"Sunlight on water"

10.11.2025 11:05 β€” πŸ‘ 219    πŸ” 23    πŸ’¬ 7    πŸ“Œ 1
Preview
A Little Bit Kinder | Michael Berger, LSW | Substack Mission: To create content that helps individuals and professionals cultivate greater kindnessβ€”toward themselves and othersβ€”through storytelling, research-backed psychology, and accessible mental heal...

alittlebitkinder.substack.com?utm_campaign...

10.11.2025 16:33 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

The things that will actually help you are usually the most uncomfortable.

Putting your phone away. Going for a walk. Taking 5 minutes to meditate or do deep breathing.

Having the difficult conversation while staying regulated. Setting a boundary while staying kind.

This is the real work.

10.11.2025 16:33 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Mission: A Little Bit Kinder A science and opinion based podcast that leads with kindness in a difficult world.

A Little Bit Kinder is back to share science-backed ways to improve your life in a new format. That's right, we got a podcast! Check it out!

alittlebitkinder.substack.com/p/mission-a-...

10.11.2025 16:26 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Why Being Bored Is Good for You (And Why Scrolling Isn't the Same Thing)

It’s time to be bored again. Scrolling our phones has taken up up our downtime but at what cost?

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

23.06.2025 17:55 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
When Everything Feels Like It’s Falling Apart How to Keep Going Anyway

New post out now, for anyone going through a tough time.
It’s grounded in science and written to offer real support.

Share it in the hope that someone who needs it will see it. And if you believe in the power of kindness and science, consider subscribing for free.

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

02.06.2025 10:38 β€” πŸ‘ 27    πŸ” 9    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

That was the spark. That’s when A Little Bit Kinder was bornβ€”not just as an idea, but as a personal promise.
alittlebitkinder.substack.com

30.05.2025 17:55 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Then one night, while rocking my newborn back to sleep at 3am, I caught myself whispering something to him: β€œYou’re doing your best, buddy. It’s okay to need help.”
And for the first time, I realized I needed to say it to myself, too.

30.05.2025 17:55 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

I wasn’t sleeping well. My nervous system was constantly on high alert. And even though I taught others to meet themselves with compassion, I was silently demanding perfection from myself.

30.05.2025 17:55 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

β€œWhy do so many of us know what we need to do to feel betterβ€”but still can’t do it?”
As a mental health professional, I spent years helping others make meaningful changes in their lives. But privately? I was burning out.

30.05.2025 17:55 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

#ProudBlue #ResistanceUnited #Pinks

Good Friday morning, friends. We all have things we need or want to work on in our lives. But remember to see the beautiful parts of who you are now. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. You ARE enough. And you are loved. πŸ₯°

30.05.2025 11:36 β€” πŸ‘ 307    πŸ” 104    πŸ’¬ 27    πŸ“Œ 6
Preview
Why Motivation Won’t Save You(And What Actually Builds Momentum) You don’t need to feel readyβ€”you need a better system.

What’s up with the hustle culture of social media promoting a general misunderstanding of motivation!

Let behavioral science teach you an easier way!

#paychology #selfimprovement

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

30.05.2025 00:54 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Just a quick reminder, for whoever needs to hear this, that you don't need to have everything figured out!

You are human, and the social construct of social media shows the best moments for people. The perfect infallible photos don't represent the whole entirety of that person.

#mentalhealth

29.05.2025 13:13 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
The Attitude That Makes Therapy Work Self-Compassion, Patience, and the Courage to Keep Showing Up

Therapy can be a whirlwind experience full of ups and downs.

Sometimes people need a guide on how to approach therapy.

A Little Bit Kinder wrote an article on it! Share for Mental Health Awareness Month!

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

26.05.2025 20:51 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Take a second to check in with yourself today:

How am I doing:

Physically?
Intellectually?
Emotionally?
Socially or Spiritually?

Be kind to yourself! If this resonates with you check out my newsletter: alittlebitkinder.substack.com

#psychology #selfimprovement

21.05.2025 14:39 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
Preview
3 Good Things That Happened in May (That You Probably Didn’t Hear About) Because the news doesn’t always have to leave you feeling worse

The internet can sometimes be a dreary place where our negativity bias flexes it's muscles.

Today I give you 3 positive news stories to rewire your brain to the positive for the Month of May!

If you enjoy it, consider subscribing or share it!

#kindness

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

19.05.2025 13:06 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
The Internet Doesn’t Have to Make You Miserable How a More Intentional Digital Presence Can Boost Your Mood, Focus, and Well-Being

We talk a lot about mental, physical, and spiritual health…
But what about your Internet Health?

If social media’s been draining you lately, this one’s for you.
Feel better after logging inβ€”not worse.

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

14.05.2025 14:25 β€” πŸ‘ 12    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
The Biggest Lie Habit Trackers Tell You And the surprising truth about what actually builds lasting habits

Sometimes big tech hears one statistic and runs with it to the detriment of everyone else.

β€œWe’ve been working off of 60 days to build a habit.”

It was interpreted incorrectly and I explain why in my newest article.

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

12.05.2025 12:40 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

What’s your emotional growth look like today?

#psychology #mentalhealth

Read my substack:
Alittlebitkinder.substack.com

08.05.2025 13:58 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
3 Positive News Stories to Rewire Your Brain for Compassion (In The Month of April) Because we're all overdue for a bit of good.

Just wanted to share this again, because last time I shared it it seemed a lot of people really needed to see it!

I post articles like this monthly so subscribe to my Substack for FREE if you want more positive news stories in your life!

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

08.05.2025 13:38 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Beautiful add!

07.05.2025 15:36 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

At any given moment there is more right with you than wrong with you.

Even if you are a day away from dying.

This can sometimes be hard to accept.

However. It is a medical fact. 😊

#medicine #psychology #selfcompassion

07.05.2025 15:34 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
3 Global Good-News Stats to Rewire Your Brain for Hope and Humanity Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health... is read something good.

The global negative bias news cycle πŸ” can make you feel depressed and anxious πŸ˜•

Here’s 3 global statistics to remind your brain it doesn’t need to be in fight or flight every second!

#news #kindness #psychology

open.substack.com/pub/alittleb...

07.05.2025 12:23 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Using rituals before sitting down to your computer for work can reduce procrastination.

Examples:
Stretching πŸ™†
Making your favorite cup of coffee β˜•οΈ
Writing ✍️ things down

Keep it consistent and it will help with emotional regulation and you'll be able to start your day in any mood.

06.05.2025 10:53 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Absolutely! Did you read the article though? I'm speaking from a male perspective and giving ideas on how men can create positive spaces specific to masculinity, to make it less likely that individuals fall into those spaces. I facilitated boys groups and mens groups in psychiatric hospitals.

05.05.2025 21:04 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0