Therapeutic Rapport: Precursor to a Successful Therapeutic Relationship and Treatment Outcome

One of my favorite primary care physicians offered all of her patients a hug at each visit. When asked why she said, “Every person deserves a hug each day. They need to know someone cares.” While her method of creating a therapeutic…

Healing Together: The Role of Family Therapy in Chronic Illness

Family therapy works to target change within the system that is often the closest to us. While it is helpful across a multitude of presenting concerns, one in particular is families navigating chronic or significant illness. Oftentimes following a life changing diagnosis…

Navigating the Path of Healing: Forgiveness versus Reconciliation

In the journey of healing and personal growth, forgiveness and reconciliation emerge as two intersecting yet distinct paths. Both involve navigating through hurt, betrayal, and conflict, but understanding the nuances between them is crucial.  Forgiveness entails releasing oneself from resentment and anger,…

Navigating Grief After Pregnancy or Infant Loss: Healing Together

Losing a pregnancy or a baby is a heartbreaking experience that can shatter the lives of new or expecting parents. The ensuing grief is deep and intricate, touching every facet of an individual’s life. This loss can especially impact partners who may…

Effects of Emotionally Abusive Relationships

When you think of abuse in relationships, what comes to mind? For many of us, the first thoughts that show up depict loud, violent, and aggressive words or actions.  Emotional abuse is often a quieter form of abuse that involves tactics such…

Weathering the Storm Together: When the Winter Blues Impact Relationships

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression that follows a pattern corresponding to the seasons. This form of depression usually emerges during fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. Those affected might experience symptoms like a low mood,…

Unveiling the Timeline: How Long Do Couples Typically Spend in Therapy?

Therapy plays a vital role in the lives of couples, offering a safe and supportive environment to navigate the complexities of their relationship. It allows couples to deepen their understanding of each other, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier communication patterns. By investing…

Why are we stuck? 

Think about your last couple of arguments with your partner. Do you notice a pattern? It can be easy to get lost in the content of the arguments such as parenting differences, financial woes, and uncompromised sex, but underlying each interaction is…

Today I Marry My Friend

Those sweet words graced the cover of my longtime friend’s wedding program. Yes, she was marrying her friend, her love, the first person she thought of to share good news or heartbreak. But, on this exciting and hope-filled day, the question was,…

Five Realistic Expectations for Couples Therapy

Couples therapy can be a great and significant step in restructuring your relationship or improving your connection, but if you are like many people, you may be experiencing nervousness, intimidation, or feeling generally overwhelmed. Knowing what to realistically expect can help to…

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