Compliments activate the same part of your brain as getting cash. A psychotherapist explains how they work.

• Rachel Sussman is a psychotherapist and relationship expert who counsels individuals and couples.
• She says compliments are important for people's sense of self worth.
• The same part of your brain lights up when you receive a compliment as when you receive cash.

A sincere, thoughtful compliment can leave an impact even years later. What is it about compliments that makes them so powerful?

Rachel Sussman, a psychotherapist and relationship expert in New York City...