communication

Your last relationship ended months ago, but your body still tenses up when someone raises their voice. You find yourself constantly analyzing your new partner’s mood, searching for signs they might turn on you. Simple disagreements feel like threats, and you catch yourself either shutting down completely or preparing to…

Picture a couple who just moved in together: Let’s call them Dan and Amy. Amy has been working late because she has a big presentation coming up. One evening, she texts Dan and asks him to make dinner while she’s on her way home. Dan enthusiastically agrees, sending multiple heart…

It can be tough to know what’s going on in your child’s world. Little kids may not have the language to name their feelings, while older kids and teens may be resistant to opening up. As both a counselor and a mom, I recommend checking in with your children regularly….

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship could handle more openness—or if you’re already navigating the complex world of multiple partners—you’re not alone. More couples are exploring open relationships than ever before, yet many struggle with the fundamental question: What does it actually take to make this work? While trust,…

You may think you know your partner, and you probably do know the basics. You know their favorite restaurant, shoe size, and how they take their coffee. You know where they work, that they never carry a balance on their credit card, have two best friends from college, and love…

Toxic relationships aren’t always obvious from the start. Some evolve quietly—one eye roll, one dismissed feeling, one “I was just joking; don’t be so sensitive” comment at a time. Many relationships erode through “one thousand paper cuts,” says psychologist Morgan Cutlip, PhD, author of A Better Share. Over time, what…

No matter how “perfectly matched” you are, no two people are exactly the same. We all bring our own unique wants, needs, and beliefs into a relationship. That’s a good thing—our differences are what make relationships exciting and meaningful. But it also means figuring out how to truly care for…

Healthy relationships have the power to bring joy, connection, and improved self-esteem. However, anxiety can disrupt those feelings and take a toll, both on the person experiencing it and their partner.  By understanding the roots of anxiety and its impact on the relationship, couples can create emotional safety and develop…

We’ve all felt it—that slightly fried feeling from too much screen time, too many notifications demanding our attention, and too many apps pulling us in every direction. It’s overwhelming, and sometimes the best remedy is a good, old-fashioned break, or a “digital detox.”  This purposeful time off from screens and…

Feeling angry or resentful toward family members is a common experience that can arise from various psychological, emotional, and situational factors. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, or extended relative, conflicts within families can make maintaining harmonious relationships challenging and stressful. The good news? There are strategies to navigate relationships with…

Whether it’s about location, career goals, kids, religion, money, or something else, realizing you and your partner have different visions for the future can make you question everything. It can cause you to worry about whether or not you truly belong together or if you can have “it all”. And…

Being in a romantic relationship has its ups and downs. But what about dating someone who has a mental health condition like bipolar disorder?  As it so happens, dating someone with bipolar disorder I or II may not be so different from dating anyone else. Although it’s true that people…