I’m Jonathan Bricker, a psychologist, researcher, and author. I help people work with anxiety, addictions, and habits that feel hard to change. I hold an Endowed Chair and am a Professor at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, as well as an Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington. In private practice since 2004, I bring research and clinical experience to helping people respond differently to difficult thoughts, feelings, and urges and move toward the lives they want.
Private Practice Therapy for anxiety, addictions, and habit change
Affiliations
Research funding
A habit can offer something you want right now: comfort after a draining day, a little pleasure, or a break from something difficult. It can also cost you sleep, time, health, or closeness to someone you love. I call that exchange a habit bargain. Understanding your particular bargain gives you a place to begin. Then comes practicing what to do when the urge returns.
One ordinary moment, and the bargain hidden inside it.
A break from feeling overwhelmed. You feel better the moment you decide to start tomorrow.
The work is still waiting, with less time to do it and more pressure to get it done.
Why Bad Habits Feel Good—and Cost So Much
Discover why bad habits feel good, why they’re so hard to break, and how to change them without relying on willpower.
Get practical ideas for understanding habits and making changes in everyday life, along with updates on The Habit Bargain.
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For over 20 years, Dr. Bricker’s research has focused on a fundamental question: How can people change habits for good? Over 10,000 people from all 50 U.S. states have participated in his lab’s large clinical trials of a new treatment approach for quitting smoking, changing diet, and increasing exercise. This work shows how learning to respond differently to urges, thoughts, and feelings can help people make meaningful changes without having to wait for discomfort to go away.
The Secret to Self-Control TEDxRainier · over 10 million views Watch on YouTube ↗
I work with adults on anxiety, addictions, and habits that feel hard to change. Together, we look closely at where you get stuck and practice steps toward what matters to you.
