Author: admin

Listening is a skill many people think they possess. After all, we hear people talking all day long, so we often assume we listen just as much. But true listening is different from simply hearing words. It’s an intentional practice that can transform conversations, relationships, and ourselves.

Trust is the quiet foundation of every healthy relationship. It’s content as it is. It doesn’t demand the spotlight. But without it, even the strongest connection can begin to feel shaky.

There’s a particular kind of thinking pattern that can creep in quietly. You’re going about your day, and then—out of nowhere—a thought returns. A moment from a conversation. A text you wish you hadn’t sent. The look on someone’s face. A mistake you feel you made. A memory, vivid and aching. Or maybe it’s not […]

We often speak of compassion and acceptance as something we extend outward to those who are grieving, struggling, or simply doing the best they can. But it’s rather common not to turn that same compassion inward. Many of us live with a quiet undercurrent of self-judgment: regret over things we wish we’d handled differently, shame […]

It’s common to confuse hope with a wish. Wishing tends to zero in on a particular outcome. We might wish for the job offer. Or we wish the test result comes back negative. We might wish someone would change, or stay, or come back. A wish says, this is what I want, and I’ll be […]

Unfortunately, disappointment is unavoidable and uncomfortable, often hitting unexpectedly and leaving us scrambling and looking for our footing. The usual advice – feel your feelings, reframe the situation, find gratitude, just let it go – while helpful, can sometimes feel hollow when you’re in the middle of it. So how can we more practically and […]

Breakups usually feel like a deep wound – painful, disorienting, and overwhelming. Even if you saw it coming, even if you know it was the right decision, the loss of a relationship can shake your sense of stability and leave you wondering how to move forward. While there’s no quick fix for this type of […]

Money is almost always what couples focus on when discussing fairness regarding finances. Who earns more? Who pays for what and who contributes more? It’s easy to reduce contribution to money alone, but this perspective leaves out a crucial factor: work contribution is more than money.

Winter has a way of slowing everything down. The bare trees, the quiet earth, the longer nights—all seem to press us inward, inviting us into rest and reflection. But no season lasts forever. Slowly, and what can sometimes feel like suddenly, the light begins to return. The air softens, buds and shoots emerge, and the […]

Friendship is one of the most rewarding and meaningful forms of connection. Beyond being a source of companionship, friends provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and stoke the embers of personal growth. Here are some key benefits of friendship and why the friends in our life are worth celebrating.

Codependency is often misunderstood as selflessness, devotion, “people pleasing” or simply being a “giver.” While caring deeply for others is healthy, codependency goes beyond generosity – it’s a pattern of behavior where a person’s sense of self-worth is tied to taking care of others and it’s done so at their own expense.

Gratitude is a buzzword these days, but when you move beyond the cliché, it’s an incredibly practical tool that enhances overall well-being. At its core, gratitude is about being present and noticing—taking the time to see and appreciate what is already at hand. It doesn’t require big gestures or extraordinary moments. Often, the most impactful […]

The holiday season is a time set apart for connection, celebration, and creating cherished memories, but it can also bring challenges, especially when navigating complicated family dynamics. Whether it’s unresolved conflicts, differing personalities, or the strain of hot-button topics like politics, family gatherings can feel overwhelming for some. Here are some strategies to help you […]

In today’s divisive political climate, maintaining relationships can be difficult when political beliefs don’t align. I witness in and out of therapy how distressing it can be when friendships become strained over differing beliefs. While it’s natural for differences to emerge, it’s important to remember that friendship stands on shared experiences and values that sometimes […]

Navigating Toxic Behaviors and Patterns with Kindness Nowadays, it’s common to hear the term “toxic” when people describe challenging interactions with others. It’s equally common to hear the term “toxic person” when someone is describing a difficult relationship. But a deeper look into the nature of behavior and relationships reveals that it’s not the individual […]

Worry is a natural part of life, but sometimes can feel like it’s taking over, making even small decisions seem overwhelming. If the standard suggestions for reducing worry and anxiety aren’t enough for you, here are seven fresh strategies to help you reduce worry in a more practical and engaging way. These tips are designed […]

It’s common to feel guilty when saying “no” or setting boundaries, especially if you’re someone who values relationships, cares about others, and wants to be helpful and supportive. You might worry that saying “no” will hurt someone’s feelings, create tension, or lead to conflict. This guilt may be uncomfortable and difficult but learning to handle […]

Letting go of someone you love is one of the hardest emotional challenges many of us face. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a close family member, the process of losing and moving on can feel overwhelming.  I often work with clients in this situation and the most difficult impasse, struggle and question […]

Stress is a universal experience. Whether it’s work-related pressures, personal challenges, daily responsibilities or the constant stream of information from our devices, stress can easily build up, impacting both our mental and physical well-being. One effective way to manage and reduce stress is through mindfulness—a simple yet powerful practice that helps you stay grounded in […]

In today’s digital age, technology plays an integral role in our lives. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops help us stay connected, informed, and entertained. However, when it comes to relationships, the overuse or misuse of these devices can create barriers rather than bridges. This article explores how electronics, when not managed thoughtfully, can lead to disconnection […]

Anxiety is extremely common, and everyone is affected by it to some degree or another. I often work with clients dealing with the overwhelming feelings anxiety can bring. Understanding the mindsets and physiological processes that cause and exacerbate anxiety, and adopting strategies to manage it, is crucial for creating more peace, stability and the ability […]

Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. When done effectively, it strengthens your bond, fosters mutual understanding, and helps you navigate challenges together. However, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and conflict. Here are some practical tips to help you and your partner communicate better and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Stress is unavoidable and a part of every life. It’s a normal response to challenges, but too much stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. As a therapist, I’ve seen how overwhelming stress can become if not managed properly. Here are some practical strategies to help you handle stress effectively.

Emotional abuse is a pervasive but often misunderstood form of abuse that can profoundly impact a person’s mental health and well-being. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse can be subtle and insidious, making it difficult to identify and address. In this blog post, I’ll explore what emotional abuse is and steps you can take if you […]