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Values are the silent architects of our lives. They guide our decisions, shape our identities, and influence our path in life. Yet, often, they remain unexplored, existing as an abstract concept rather than a consciously understood compass.

When I first heard the term “forest bathing,” I sort of rolled my eyes and chalked it up to one of several “woo woo” fads that come and go. But, after some preliminary exploration of the concept, I found it has been studied and researched since the 1990s. Forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, […]

Breakups can be incredibly painful, and the emotional toll they take can feel overwhelming. Whether the breakup was unexpected, or even initiated by you, the aftermath can bring about a host of negative emotions and even physical repercussions. As a therapist and a human being, I understand that healing from a breakup can be a […]

Fear is a natural human emotion, and it plays a significant role in our lives. While it can protect us from danger, fear can also be paralyzing and limit our potential for growth and happiness. Over the years as a therapist, I’ve witnessed how fear can hold people back from living their best lives. While […]

Healthy communication is the foundation of successful and fulfilling relationships. As a licensed therapist, I often see clients struggling with issues in their relationships stemming from poor communication. Whether it’s a romantic partnership, a family dynamic, or friendships, effective communication is vital for understanding, empathy, and resolving conflicts. In this blog post, I’ll explore the […]

Sadness finds us all and is a natural response to life’s inevitable challenges, disappointments, and losses. As a therapist, my mission is to help you navigate these emotional hurdles and provide you with tools to maintain a positive outlook and sense of self, even in the face of sadness. In this blog post, I’ll explore […]

Loneliness is a universal human experience that everyone will struggle with to some degree, and it can leave a lasting mark on our lives. It’s not merely the absence of social interaction, but a deeply felt emotional state that can have far-reaching consequences. The impact of loneliness is profound, affecting our mental, emotional, and physical […]

In the realm of romantic relationships, there exists a hidden personality style known as the covert narcissist. Unlike their more overt counterparts, covert narcissists are experts at concealing their true nature behind a mask of charm and empathy. Sometimes called vulnerable narcissists, these individuals can be incredibly toxic and are adept at disguising their self-centered […]

Love is a complex and beautiful emotion that often defies explanation. It can bring immense joy, meaning, and purpose, but it can also bring pain, challenge, and uncertainty. One common challenge that many individuals face in romantic relationships is the issue of control. Control can manifest itself in various ways, and understanding these manifestations is […]

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect, share, and express ourselves like never before. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, they also come with a host of challenges that can impact our mental and emotional well-being. As a therapist, I understand the significance of […]

Insecurities are a natural part of the human experience. They can manifest in various parts of life, including our romantic relationships. As a licensed therapist, I understand that managing insecurities in a romantic relationship is crucial for fostering a healthy and fulfilling connection with your partner. In this post, I’ll explore common sources of insecurity […]

In today’s fast-paced world, worry has become a constant companion for many individuals. As a therapist, I understand the burden that excessive worry can place on our mental and emotional well-being. In this post, I dive into the concept of worry, exploring its origins and effects on our lives. More importantly, I discuss effective strategies […]

Experiencing the betrayal of infidelity is one of the most difficult challenges someone can experience. It completely upends a relationship and turns the world upside down for the person who is cheated on. For some, infidelity is a non-negotiable boundary, and they will consequently end a relationship permanently if cheated on. For others, they will […]

There are many schools of thought surrounding the best “technique” or theoretical approach to use in individual therapy. There are fads in therapy just as there are in most other disciplines. When I approach working with an individual, I think first of the person and second about the technique because the former informs the latter. […]

The benefits of couples counseling are wide and varied. I’ve been practicing as a therapist for almost 25 years and one consistent principle is that benefits are proportional to the amount of effort and change clients put into their counseling experience. One of the first things I assess when a couple comes to see me […]

Deciding to go to therapy is a huge decision, and finding the right therapist can be a daunting task if you’re not sure how to go about it. I’m a licensed therapist in San Diego, serving clients throughout California, and have been practicing for 23 years. I hope my experience and knowledge help make the […]

Excuses. We all make them. Some people more than others. Making excuses is a slippery slope and if you’re not aware of them and the impact they have you’re liable to resort to them regularly. It’ll just be part of how you respond when someone else calls you out on poor behavior. By the time […]

Relationships are difficult. Romantic relationships take effort, consistency, and flexibility. Good friendships can even be difficult when circumstances don’t cooperate. It’s easy to fall in love and easy enough to meet people you like but it’s a different story to stay in love or maintain that friendship. It’s also hard to cultivate a strong and […]

Today I’m going to talk about toxic positivity. And you may have heard that phrase before. There’s a lot of focus on positivity and motivation out there right now, and that’s really good. I do the same thing in this podcast.

Why is change so hard and why do so many of us take on goals and challenges only to walk away from them? On today’s episode I take a deeper dive into the process of change and what you need to know about yourself and the journey so you can continue moving closer to your […]

Today I’m going to talk about keystone habits. I’ll discuss what they are, why they’re important and how they can be the cornerstone for your new start. Habits don’t come easily but they’re definitely attainable. Explore how these habits set the tone of your whole day and how you can gain insight to attain more […]

It’s a bit astonishing that only 8% of people who make a New Year’s resolution will stick to it and achieve their goal. In fact, the second Friday in January has been coined “Quitters Day” because approximately 80% of people will have ditched their resolutions by then. While nobody can manufacture will-power for others, everyone […]

The benefits of individual therapy are often sizable when someone finds a good therapist who stretches them out of their comfort zone to do challenging therapeutic work. An experienced therapist who you’re comfortable with can challenge, support, and motivate you to improve your life and effectively navigate difficult transitions. Improvements in one area of life […]

Giving thanks is a habitual custom around the time of Thanksgiving. Many of us blend or overshadow “giving thanks” with an opportunity for good food, a couple of days off work, and time well spent with family and friends. But “giving thanks” can be much more powerful than a once-a-year holiday comprised of over-eating, rest, […]