Blog Archives
Do you ever get to where you are going and realize you don’t remember walking or driving there? Do you have conversations with other people but can’t remember what was said afterwards? Do you eat meals but don’t really pay attention to what you are eating or how it tastes? Does the end of the day come and you don’t really remember what you did or feel like you accomplished anything you set out to? Do you…
Couple therapists talk a lot about the importance of creating quality time for your relationship. What often gets less attention is the equally high value of establishing time for yourself. There is great variability in the balance of independence within romantic relationships. Partners will not always share the same preferred dose of dependency, and it is a task for any relationship to communicate openly about each other’s needs and develop a dynamic that respects both preferences. It…
People fall into patterns fast because habits feel familiar and easy. An ability to function on autopilot helps with daily life, yet intimate relationships thrive when both partners stay attentive. You have a chance to build healthy patterns when you stay aware of relationship warning signs that may develop slowly over time. A mindful approach gives your relationship room to grow with intention and genuine connection. Understanding Relationship Warning Signs Relationship warning signs often start as small…
“How do I find a therapist?” “What makes him/her good?” “What should I research about them?” “What’s the most important thing to know about finding a therapist?” “How will I know if this therapist can help me or not?” As a mental health therapist, I am often asked questions like these from friends, family, colleagues, or even initial clients when considering or starting therapy. Most people believe that there are certain criteria or a checklist to have…
“Calm down.” “Just relax.” “Don’t worry about it.” “Stop stressing out.” “It will be fine.” “Don’t get so upset.” We have all probably been told these phrases, or something similar, by another person when we were angry, anxious, or stressed. We may even ourselves be guilty of saying them to another person. But did it help? Most likely not at all, and more likely it just made us, or the other person, angrier, more anxious, or even…
We all have times in our lives, sometimes more than we want, when we are asked to do something, give something, or help with something that we don’t want to but yet we say yes anyway. There are somethings we do or agree to because it will help someone, make them happy, or it is a fair compromise, and does not have a negative impact on our emotions or well-being. But what about those times when you…
Wedding season is upon us once again. Many view weddings as a time to celebrate, honor one’s love and commitment to their partner, bring family and friends together, and be a happy time for all involved. But there is a dark side to weddings that is often not talked about or is ignored, and that is the financial pressure it puts on all. Weddings are a costly event. The individuals getting married usually prepare in advance, have…
Unexpected obstacles can interrupt momentum fast. A project stalls, a plan collapses, or progress slows at the worst possible moment. These experiences can feel jarring, yet coping with setbacks and failures can also spark meaningful growth. Moments that seem discouraging often reveal new direction, new insight, and new strength. Growth begins when you turn from frustration to curiosity and look at what the moment is teaching you. Why Coping with Setbacks and Failures Matters Challenges appear in…
“I can’t deal with my parents, I just don’t know how to talk to them, all we do is fight.” “I found out my girlfriend is using drugs and I want to help her.” “My son is not motivated or interested in anything, I don’t know what to do.” “My partner is spending way too much money and it is really stressing me out.” “My family is crazy, I just can’t deal with them anymore.” “My best…
Smartphones buzz during dinner. Streaming shows keep us awake longer than we planned. Work emails sneak into late evenings. Technology has a powerful way of blending into every part of life. Without realizing it, we sometimes allow it to steal time from the people who matter most. Relationships work on attention, respect, and shared experiences. Technology often interrupts those very foundations. Managing technology interference in your relationship doesn’t mean rejecting devices altogether. Instead, it means shaping your…