Editorial Policy

Last updated on: August 11, 2025

At Cottonwood Psychology, our goal is to share psychology that is accurate, clear, and useful in daily life. We publish work that helps readers understand themselves and others without oversimplifying the science.

What we publish

We cover topics across everyday psychology, including communication, relationships, personality, stress, mental wellness, and personal growth. Articles are written for a general audience and avoid unnecessary jargon.

Who creates our content

Our articles are written and edited by psychology professionals and psychology graduates on our team. Each piece is produced by a real person with relevant training and experience.

How articles are created

Every article follows a simple process:

  1. Research. Writers consult credible sources such as peer-reviewed journals, university sites, and respected organizations.
  2. Drafting. Authors write in plain language and explain key ideas with concrete examples where helpful.
  3. Editorial review. An editor reviews for accuracy, clarity, structure, and tone. We check that claims match the sources and that the piece supports reader wellbeing.
  4. Final checks. Before publishing, we confirm headlines, links, and category placement. We also add any needed context or definitions.

Where relevant, we may seek input from qualified professionals. If an article receives a formal expert review, we note that on the page.

Sources and citations

We rely on reputable, verifiable sources. When an article includes scientific claims, it links to or cites the underlying research. We distinguish among:

  • Findings supported by research
  • Common patterns from practice or observation
  • Opinions or interpretations

No AI-generated writing

We do not use AI tools to draft, rewrite, or edit our articles. All content is written by hand by members of our team.

Independence and integrity

We do not accept payment to favor a person, product, or idea. If an article contains any financial relationship, such as an affiliate link, we disclose it clearly. Our editorial decisions are independent of advertisers or partners.

Originality and plagiarism

We publish original work. We do not republish others’ articles, and we do not copy text from sources. Quotations, if used, are attributed.

Language and sensitivity

We write with care for readers who may be dealing with sensitive issues. We avoid alarmist or shaming language. We aim for inclusive examples and respectful terminology.

Medical and therapy disclaimer

Our content is educational. It is not medical advice and it is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or considering self-harm, please seek immediate help from local emergency services or a qualified professional.

Corrections and updates

Psychology evolves, and so does our site. We review articles periodically and update them when new evidence emerges. If we make a substantive correction, we add a brief note describing what changed and when. Minor edits for clarity or style may be made without a note.

If you spot an error, please tell us. We welcome corrections.

Contact

Questions about this policy or our editorial process? Interested in contributing as a qualified professional? Reach us at:
[email protected]