It is common for cycles of conflict to emerge in relationships. These patterns can show up around certain topics like money, sex, or parenting. Or they can be covert by showing up at what feels like unexpected times. If recurring conflict often ends with further emotional injury, underlying emotions and needs are likely not effectively… Read More »Break the Cycle of Conflict
Couples therapy offers a space to build the safety necessary to thrive in one’s relationship. It provides opportunities to name emotions, express needs, and better understand what is happening for each partner during interactions. It is a place to address how, when, and why conflict is occurring. Or perhaps why there are barely any interactions… Read More »What is Couples Therapy?
This question of “How do we fight fair?” is often asked in couples therapy. Below are some common questions and answers about the purpose and frequency of conflict. Ways to approach and resolve conflict that lessens emotional injury and promotes connection are also discussed. Is fighting good for a relationship? Fighting, or conflict, or most… Read More »How to Fight Fair
Rituals of connection are ways you and your partner can turn towards one another to consistently connect. They are reliable ways of building intimacy that range from informal daily interactions like saying goodbye before work to formal holidays and annual celebrations like birthdays. Of course, rituals are not just for partners. They occur within family… Read More »Rituals of Connection
Everyday frustrations We live in a world where there is a pretty constant stream of stimulation. And it’s easy to lose track of how often we experience the various stressors that show up in our lives on a daily, hourly basis. Whether it’s from a podcast, the radio, the news, interactions with others, parenting or… Read More »How to Handle Daily Doses of Stress
So you have decided to start therapy. The next step is to find a therapist with whom you connect, who understands your experience, and who meets your needs and preferences. Much like a physician, dentist, teacher, or vet, you have the opportunity and the right to choose who you trust your story with. So the… Read More »Find a Therapist for You
What are love languages? Love Languages are five ways in which we give and/or receive love. They were observed and shared by Dr. Gary Chapman and include quality time, gifts, words of affirmation, physical touch, and acts of service. Sometimes we receive love in more than one way, or we receive love differently than how… Read More »The Ways We Love
Emotions are often held within our bodies. So the body is a great place to start in order to tap into our emotions and help us self-regulate. Have you ever had the hairs on the back of your neck stand up? Or had goosebumps? Or maybe your stomach turns at a certain smell. These are… Read More »The Body and Emotions
What are emotions? Emotions are part of the human experience. In fact, emotion is defined as “a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.” They have been around as long as we have because they’re important for our survival. For instance, they promote connection with others, a basic… Read More »Emotions as Messengers
It is not uncommon to become emotionally flooded during conflict with our partner. But without steps to respond to it, it is sadly very common for emotional injuries to occur because of it. Developing a ritual with your partner around flooding can provide a reliable way to navigate these previously uncharted waters. Develop a ritual… Read More »What to do When Flooded