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When or if to end a relationship is naturally a difficult decision. And it should be. We often invest a lot into our relationships and our partners, and while it may seem simpler to walk out on a painful situation, a part of us often wants to give it another shot. Whether because of the kids, the time we have devoted, or the memories we share, we may feel pulled in different directions in trying to decide…

Dating can be rough. Whether you are fresh out of a new relationship or if you have been on the dating circuit for a while, dating can be overwhelming, empowering, exciting, and stressful. I will often work with clients who are in individual therapy and hear some of their hilarious and horrific dating stories.

We often receive mixed messages about love from society, media, and peers. We will often hear sayings such as, “You complete me” or “My partner is my other half” when discussing relationship and love. While these sayings are romantic and sweet, what kind of messages are they sending to singles and people looking for love? Are they teaching people that we are only complete or whole once we find someone else? In addition, how do messages like…

It is safe to say that we have all been hurt or angry at someone important to us before, whether it is a partner, a friend, a parent, or someone else who holds value in our lives. Often times when we feel hurt, we hold on to a lot of anger, resentment, hurt, and frustration. We also may behave in ways we normally do not, such as yell, act out, become passive aggressive, or ruminate on past…

To do lists and goal setting: when created and done correctly, both can help to keep us on track, stay motivated, feel a sense of productivity and accomplishment, and help us to get to where we want to be in life, relationships, and our careers. When to do lists and goals are created and done incorrectly, they can overwhelm or demotivate us, increase procrastination, cause additional stress or anxiety, or lead us to give up entirely. To…

Studies have shown that around 30% of couples who are attending couples therapy are what therapists call “mixed agenda couples”, or a couple who is unsure whether or not they want to stay together. One partner may be interested in fixing or maintaining the relationship while the other partner may be ready to leave the relationship. Research also shows that even after entering legal processes, about 30% of individual parents of minor children are interested in maintaining…

“No your butt doesn’t look big in those pants.” “Your jokes are really funny.” “That dinner was so delicious.” “Of course you could take him in a fight, I would put my money on you.” “These clothes are old; I have had them for months.” “I have no idea where the two hundred dollars went.” “I didn’t open that credit card.” Whoa, stop right there! Yes, there are times in a relationship or marriage when a little…

Want: to have a desire to possess something or wish for; to lack or be short of something desirable. Need: to require something because it is essential; expressing necessity. These two words are very different to the extent in which something is viewed as necessary or optional. However, in my work as a Certified Financial Social Worker, especially when reviewing spending and budgets, these words are used synonymously; basically everything becomes a need. “But I need to…

We all process information differently. Some of us need to talk it out as soon as issues arise, while some of us need a couple of hours or even a couple of days to gather our thoughts before discussing it. A common communication dynamic that I see as a couples therapist are two individuals who process information and communicate differently. Often times, one partner is an external processor while the other partner is an internal processor. External…

What were you thinking about just now? I would bet that it didn’t have anything to do with what is going on with you right at this moment. I would also bet that it was probably about what you have to do or get done for the day, planning or figuring out something for the future, or thinking about something that happened in the past, replaying it over and over in your head and thinking about how…