When it comes to dating and marriage, we often hear about the butterflies and the fireworks, but rarely do we hear about the ick in a long term relationship. But what about the moments when something feels off? Something inexplicable that sends shivers down your spine and makes you question everything? Ah yes, I’m talking […]

This past weekend I attended an incredibly joyous wedding. The happy couple was surrounded by family and friends. The rain had held off while the sun shined, and laughter, and smiles filled the wedding hall. The most heart-warming moment, was easily when the brides exchanged vows. The newlyweds did something that was incredibly thoughtful, and […]

By: Del Thompson There are many skills that almost everyone finds themselves working on at some point in our lives, such as boundaries. But what are boundaries? Why do we struggle with creating and responding to boundaries? There is nothing inherently wrong with a boundary, in fact, boundaries are often the tool we need in […]

Many people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition that is the result of an acute traumatic event taking place. Common examples of traumas that can result in PTSD include military service, sexual or physical assault, a car accident or an extreme natural disaster. In most cases, PTSD stems from a single […]

When I notice the content of what much of our world suggests for self care, we don’t usually discuss either the political self or the possible therapeutic benefits of political action. These topics often include exercise, nutrition, unplugging from technology, engaging in spirituality, and spending time with loved ones. Often, self-care can involve disengaging from […]

Anxious attachment can be painful–fear of rejection and loss, constant worry about your partner’s emotions, and low self-esteem. However, while attachment is about our relationships, it is absolutely possible to learn how to self-soothe anxious attachment. Read on for tips from a therapist.   What is anxious attachment? Anxious attachment is one of four attachment […]

Is relational happiness reality minus expectations? Have you ever watched that seen from the the movie, 500 Days Of Summer, where Joseph Gordon Levitt, can’t wait to meet his ex, Zoey Deschanel at a party she’s hosting? He thinks that the meeting will go one way; they will immediately reconnect and realize that they are […]

As a clinical social worker and therapist, I spend a lot of time speaking with individuals and couples teaching them how to feel their feelings. They are a critical piece of how we make positive change and move through life’s challenges. Emotions also offer us critical information about our needs, boundaries, relationships, and the world […]

This time of year can be stressful for so many of us. We are tested on knowing what our boundaries are and how to stay true to our needs. Some of us are not partnered and that’s okay; even though as humans living in a modern society, we are bombarded with images and messages which […]

As a relationship therapist, I often find my clients feel a sense of responsibility for their partner, or family members’ feelings.  My clients feel entangled in the emotions of their loved ones which causes them to develop people pleaser tendencies. They don’t know how to self validate and they try to anticipate, adjust or control their […]

How To Cope With Your Anxiety These last few years, Covid-19 has taken it’s toll on all of us. We have been trapped in our homes, shielded our faces behind masks, and distanced from our loved ones. We have felt a plethora of emotions including fear and loneliness. It’s not a secret that now more […]

By: Brynne Kessler, MFT John Gottman’s research reflects: couples who stay together the longest are those who allow each other to be influenced by another. In other words, it is important to remain open to your partner’s perspective. As a couple’s therapist, I often witness couples get stuck in the communication challenge of needing to be […]