By: CHENGLU DING, M.S.ED., M.PHIL.ED. Do you find yourself constantly checking your email? Do you over-analyze every decision and try to have a perfect plan? Do you find yourself skipping social events to avoid being judged by others? If these scenarios sound familiar, you may be dealing with a heightened sense of stress related to feeling a lack of control in your life. These behaviors are often attempts to eliminate uncertainty and comfort oneself; however, they frequently lead to increased anxiety and disrupted daily life. For example, some people check their email every few minutes, believ ..read more

The Transformative Power of Gottman Method Couples Therapy Are you struggling to communicate with your partner? Feel like you're stuck in a rut, experiencing recurrent conflicts, and unable to find a way forward? If so, it might be time to explore the transformative power of Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Developed by renowned psychologists Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman, this evidence-based approach has revolutionized how couples around the world repair and strengthen their relationships. What is the Gottman Method? The Gottman Method is a highly effective and practical form of couples thera ..read more

Four Ways to Ask Your Partner to Go to Therapy Asking your partner to go to therapy can be a sensitive topic that requires finesse, understanding, and compassion. It's important to approach the conversation with empathy and a willingness to engage in open communication. Here are four ways you can broach the subject with your partner: 1. Express Your Concerns Start the conversation by expressing your genuine concerns for the well-being of your relationship. Use “I” statements to convey your feelings without placing blame on your partner. For example, you could say, “I have noticed that we have ..read more

Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz's Four Steps for OCD Jeffrey Schwartz created a 4 step program to help his patients manage OCD. However, this steps can help anyone navigate any type of anxious thinking. His 4 steps can help you to become more aware of what you are feeling and how you are reacting and also provide an opportunity to take a pause and come back before reacting. The ultimate goal is to put space between the stimulus, the feeling, and the actions you take. Doing this helps disrupt anxiety loops. The Four Steps: Step 1: Relabel Dr. Schwartz's first step involves recognizing that obsessive thoug ..read more

By Elena Greenland, MA | Therapist in Philadelphia, PA Can your space be a place that is revitalizing, comforting, and supports your range of needs throughout the day? We may spend time decorating our spaces in ways that reflect our style, but we rarely think about setting up our spaces in regard to what works for us as people and for our own mental health. Have you ever felt dysregulated and unmotivated and found yourself feeling completely different after cleaning up and refreshing your bedroom or washing the dishes? Not only are we able to feel better by accomplishing a small (or large) tas ..read more

By Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, CGT Our relationships move through phases - most of which are predictable. These phases each present us with a challenge and if we choose to accept it a path towards growth together. Most relationships tend to move through the following four phases: The Honeymoon Phase The Realization Phase The Tension Phase The Acceptance Phase The honeymoon phase is marked by strong connections and a desire to idolize and fantasize about the relationship. This phase is important because it allows us to build a cache of memories of "good times" for later times when ..read more

FT; SVEA WENTZLER, MA FOR SELF Disagreements and other tense moments are normal in healthy relationships. Rough patches, too, are par for the course, especially if you’ve been together for a long time. But what kinds of issues warrant a visit to a couples therapist? The truth is, all types of relationships can get something out of therapy, Svea Wentzler, MA, a pre-licensed marriage and family therapist at A Better Life Therapy in Philadelphia, tells SELF. “It’s a safe and private place to explore what is and isn’t working,” Wentzler says. Plus, “it can be hard to hear feedback from your partne ..read more

The Gottman Method: Strengthening Your Relationships through Bids for Connection In the realm of couples therapy, there are numerous methodologies and techniques designed to improve communication, strengthen bonds, and enhance overall relationship satisfaction. One such approach that has gained considerable prominence is the Gottman Method. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this evidence-based therapy focuses on understanding and responding effectively to bids for connection within a relationship. What are Bids for Connection? Bids refer to the small, often subtle, attempts we make to ..read more

FT; FOLASHADE ADEKUNLE, LPC FOR SElF Love has a way of blinding people from the red flags in a relationship that may be waving right in front of their eyes. Some warning signs don’t require you to look too closely, like a partner who punches a wall when their favorite baseball team loses, or a date who makes racist or homophobic comments (never okay). But what about more subtle cues, like the fact that they keep swearing you’re their soulmate after only two dates or being a little too clingy? No matter how stable, healthy, or passionate your romance is, you’re bound to encounter annoying (fine ..read more

By Nora Nova, LPC | Therapist in Philadelphia, PA Most couples wait an average of six years before seeking professional help for marital issues. That is six years of hurt and resentment! While couples therapy can help, the best intervention is prevention. Just like brushing your teeth can prevent tooth decay, proactive couples therapy can help build healthy relationship skills to overcome potential future issues.  Here are seven reasons why proactive couples therapy is good for your relationship:  It can improve your communication skills. A therapist can help you not only be a be ..read more