couples counseling

Meg Mulroy, LPC In part one of this short blog series, I defined and explained ways in which people form codependent relationships through caretaking, controlling, and self-abandonment. In part two, I’ll discuss characteristics indicative of codependent relationships. If you resonate with these problems, it does not mean you are bad, inferior, or broken. Most of these behaviors and characteristics were taught to us as children and/or were protective factors that were employed to keep us safe from…

Hannah Hopper, LCPC, EMDR Trained If you’ve ever felt drained, like you’ve been pushed past your breaking point, or are done with everything, you’re probably experiencing burnout. Burnout has become increasingly common over the past few years, and it can impact all areas of our lives. And now it’s becoming a regular experience with dating apps too. If you feel like chatting and setting up dates from an app has become work, or feels like a part-time…

Jessica Pontis, LCSW What are some of the things that we typically think about when we consider a healthy relationship?  Some of the things that may come to mind is an open line of communication. Maybe it’s problem-solving together in a way that feels constructive, or supporting one another through really difficult times. And maybe part of it is having a healthy sex life. For those who want to prioritize having a healthy sex life in their…

Jessica Pontis, LCSW I’ve worked with a lot of people who have felt that their emotions were out of control, felt like their anxiety would take over, or were unable to snap themselves out of a funk. Emotions can be tricky because they are both so abstract and so concrete at the same time. We know that they’re there, but we sometimes struggle to connect with them and give them what they need to feel soothed. The…

By: Danielle Bertini, LCPC Changes can be hard. And even if you’re happy with the status quo, life doesn’t always comply with your wishes, leaving you to face a major transition. Dealing with these changes can be tough, but Whitebourne (2017) outlines 10 useful coping tips based on research involving life-span studies of stressful events.  Recognize That Transitions Hold a Special Place in Your Life Memories. Regardless of what the transition might be, it’s usually something that…

By: Danielle Bertini, LCPC Let’s consider this: Samantha admits that she is always on alert. Her head floods with worst-case scenarios if she wakes up at 3 am. She is always looking ahead to what might happen, what might go wrong — whether it is potential traffic, a talk she needs to have with someone at work, or what the cashier might say if she tries to return a shirt she bought last week. Samantha is what…

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified  Couples and family therapists have told me that the couples and families that they worry about the most are the ones that engage in little to no conflict. This may sound surprising, but it’s not if you consider the fact that conflict is a necessary and healthy part of all relationships. All relationships need conflict in order to healthily grow and remain strong. Here are a few of the benefits of…

Part I: Control, Caretaking & Self Abandonment Meg Mulroy, LPC  Codependency has become somewhat of a buzz amongst my peers. Used casually, I’ve heard people say, “She can’t do anything without him — they are so codependent,” or, “Those roommates are completely codependent — they are attached at the hip!” One of my professional and personal pet peeves is the misuse of this word. Codependency has been defined in many different ways, but according to Melody Beattle,…