Dear Therapist, I’m currently in couples therapy with my partner—let’s call him Frank. Recently, I found an article that I thought could really help us manage our shared responsibilities at home. The mental load is taking a toll on me, and the issue has become a real hot button between us. Despite my desire to share the article with Frank, I hesitated because he has barely acknowledged similar resources I’ve suggested in the past. Honestly, it makes me feel like he doesn’t care enough to make an effort. I know it’s just an article, but it wouldn’t take much time to read. I feel like if Frank r ..read more

“Just go on a date,” they say. Date nights are frequently touted as the key to strengthening romantic relationships. And it is true— research shows that married couples who go on regular date nights “enjoy better communication, sex, and commitment.” While date nights can increase intimacy and connection, they also carry the weight of expectations and vulnerabilities. You may be left wondering: What’s the right kind of date night for you and your spouse?  Our clients often find planning date nights to be both enjoyable and a source of anxiety. To simplify the process, we have drawn inspira ..read more

“You complete me.” “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”  While these rom-com quotes are iconic in film, their messages and subsequent toxic themes often deprioritize individuality, healthy relationships, and a broader experience of love and acceptance.  Whether it is a direct quote or an indirect message within the plot, it can be tricky to recognize toxic relationship behaviors disguised as romance on the big screen. While movies often serve as escapism, they can also perpetuate harmful myths about love ..read more

You and your partner have arrived at the difficult decision to end your marriage. Divorce was undoubtedly a challenging choice to make. You may have gone through months of couples therapy or tried discernment counseling to determine the best path for your relationship and family. Nonetheless, your efforts have led you to a decision where the road ahead likely feels long and stressful. During a divorce, social support is essential. Research shows that individuals going through major life transitions like this need more support. In addition to friends and family, it’s important to have tailored ..read more

Do you find yourself sneaking naps during your lunch break? Perhaps you find yourself regularly depending on coffee or some other source of caffeine to make it through your day? Whether you are sleep-deprived from having a young family, poor sleeping habits causing you sleep debt, or you are just sleeping in on the weekends to make up for the lack of sleep earlier in the week, your sleep is impacting your marriage possibly in ways you might not even be realizing. In this article, we’ll talk about what bad sleep looks like, what impact it can have on your relationship, and steps that you can ta ..read more

While you can find insinuations and conversations about sex in countless adult TV shows, movies, and songs, how comfortable are you talking about sex with your partner? Even in long-term romantic relationships, partners report only knowing 62% of what their partners find sexually pleasing and 26% of what their partners find sexually displeasing. So that’s the bad news: many people have difficulty discussing intimacy with their partner. The good news: there are lots of supportive resources to help you keep the conversation and exploration going.   We sat down with Liz Mallers, Sexolog ..read more

In the heat of a fight or an argument, emotions can flare up, making it challenging to maintain a constructive dialogue. As a therapist, we often see how conflicts escalate when people become overwhelmed by their emotions. Even though every couple argues, a fight can feel XYZ. Of all the tools in your fight fair toolbox, a healthy timeout is a powerful tool to help you and your partner regain composure and show up as your best self.  Can adults really benefit from a timeout?   A timeout isn’t just for children; it’s a valuable strategy for adults and relationships. When tensions ..read more

Although a significant part of society embraces emotional expression, some still believe men should embody stoicism and suppress their emotions. However, research shows that developing EQ (emotional intelligence) is crucial for self-awareness and building healthier relationships. We sat down with life coach James Traub, who specializes in the transformative power of embracing emotions to pursue a more fulfilling life. Join us as we uncover insights, challenges, and breakthroughs in this essential facet of personal development. 1. How did you become interested in working with men to develop EQ ..read more

Are you and your partner contemplating couples therapy but unsure if it’s the right choice for you? Do you feel like your marriage could be even better than it currently is? Every relationship is unique and there are different reasons for seeking couples therapy. We’ve gathered a list of key couples therapy questions to help you decide if it’s time to try couples therapy. Try out the 5-minute couples therapy quiz below.  Couples Therapy Quiz This quiz can help couples and individuals alike determine if couples therapy may be right for you. If you are curious whether couples therapy is the ..read more

You just packed away the lights, the decorations, and the wrapping paper — the holiday season has officially come to a close. As the calendar flipped to January, you may be dedicating some time to take a fresh look at your health, whether emotional, physical, or mental. One well-known New Year’s resolution/journey you may be interested in is Dry January, a month-long commitment to abstain from alcohol. After a season of imbibing, Dry January may sound like a welcome respite. But how do you make it work for you? And what happens after January is over? We’re sharing four steps and a free guide t ..read more