Category: Blog

A blog reader writes, “Hi I’m a 45 yr. old woman living alone.  For about 8 yrs my mother has become very controlling. She insists I move closer to her so I can be with family more. She doesn’t take into consideration I have a life and a job. How do I tell her no […]

Guest blogger Geoffrey Faustman, MA, IMF offers the following insights on texting and how it can impact relationships.

Deciding to seek the services of a counselor is a big step in the right direction when you want an empathetic listening ear. A qualified therapist is trained to provide you with insight and tools to improve your life,

Codependency is an often used, but frequently misunderstood term. It is a form of dependency, but it also differs from dependency. “Dependency” in and of itself is not a bad thing and doesn’t automatically imply weakness.

Every relationship has some difficulties. And, every person has their limitations and challenges. In my sessions, I often jokingly, but seriously, point out that “the fleas come with the dog”

Usually, we grow and learn the most during times of pain and struggle. Life can deal us a rough hand at times. Perhaps you’ve lost a job, are going through

One of the most frequent challenges I see many of my clients facing is whether or not to be emotionally vulnerable. Some people are somewhat

Emotions can be difficult terrain to navigate and often fool us into believing things about ourselves and situations which aren’t true.

My registered intern Aubree Papaj, M.S. is offering a free 90 minute Boundary Workshop on January 16th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.  This workshop will cover ways to identify poor boundaries, solutions to improve boundary setting, common problems associated with setting boundaries, communication strategies and how healthy boundaries help you and your relationships.  RSVP required. […]

Sylvia Flanagan, MFT gives a good reminder why it’s important to practice self care during one of the most stressful times of the year.

Sylvia Flanagan, MFT discusses common stressors specific to the holiday season and offers suggestions on how to cope with and prevent them.

Get to know Aubree Papaj, MS through my interview with her. Aubree is an experienced MFT intern and sees individual, couples and also offers groups. She is affordable and has daytime and evening appointments available.

Sylvia answers an anonymous blog reader’s question about whether it’s better to stay or go when it comes to an abusive family.

Avoiding emotional vulnerability is a way of rejecting one’s self before another person has the opportunity to do it.

The desire for change is a challenge we all share at one point or another whether it relates to habits, lifestyle, health, mood or relationships.

Sylvia Flanagan, MFT answers many questions people have when considering the possibility of starting up couples counseling.

Here at the office of Sylvia Flanagan, MFT, there is a great new therapist addition! Aubree Papaj, IMF has come on board and is

Having been a San Diego therapist for over 10 years now, I have encountered many people who are single and simultaneously feeling very

After having the domain parked since last summer, my new San Diego Premarital Counseling sister site is up and launched!

Keep it Fun and Keep it New! Whether you’re going out for the first time, newly dating or have been together for a long while, it’s always wise to keep things fun with a good date. Below are some ideas to help keep things fresh. Go through the list below. If you do them all, […]

Grieving and depression are related but quite different.  While grieving is a normal and healthy response of sadness to loss and change, depression is usually a symptom indicating something is misaligned in our lives and needs to be corrected. Our culture often wants to tuck feelings of sadness away and regards them as unhealthy or […]

New Year’s resolutions are commonplace, but their success is not.  The vast majority of people don’t achieve their resolution for the New Year.  How come?  Success may hinge between what you want and what you understand and are ready to tackle.  For example, the most common New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight and to […]

Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous new year!  Hope you are enjoying the season with people you care about and creating some good memories to cherish.  See you next year!

Taming the Holiday Stress Beast! The holidays are a time of year when many people are stressed and overwhelmed.  Feeling over-extended, over-obligated and stretched thin all contribute to anxiety and this can put a real damper on the holidays.  Family and work obligations, parties, shopping, cooking and all the holiday odds and ends can leave […]