You know when you're having a great time with your partner, and then BAM! A big fight comes out of nowhere? Yeah, it happens to the best of us. Relationship arguments are standard—like finding a surprise pickle in your sandwich. It's not ideal, but it's bound to happen sometimes. But here's the thing: what you do after a heated argument is super important. Picture your emotional intimacy as a rubber band holding you and your partner together. When you disagree, that rubber band can get stretched out and weird. But don't sweat it! There are ways to get that rubber band back to normal and ev ..read more

In every relationship, whether it's with a partner, family member, or friend, there are certain skills that can help nurture and strengthen the bond between individuals. By understanding and practicing these skills, you can create healthier and more fulfilling connections with those you care about. Let's explore four key skills that are crucial for building better relationships. Compatibility is like the foundation of a house – it’s what keeps everything stable and strong. One of the first steps to improving compatibility in a relationship is to articulate and align on core values and dir ..read more

In today's fast-paced and demanding environment, maintaining positive mental health is crucial. One powerful tool that can significantly impact our well-being is self-talk. As a therapist, I’ve witnessed (and experienced) the transformative effects of positive self-talk and self-compassion. I’ll share the benefits of self-talk and delve into five techniques that can help cultivate positive self-talk and compassion.   The Power of Self-Talk For reference, self-talk refers to the internal dialogue we have with ourselves. Self-talk encompasses and reflects our thoughts, beliefs, and int ..read more

A good night's sleep is necessary for overall well-being and cognitive function. As a therapist, I have observed that many individuals struggle with winding down and achieving high-quality sleep. Poor sleep can eventually lead to struggling with focus, mood changes, and functioning in other areas. In this blog, I’ll share 5 effective techniques that can help you wind down and improve the quality of your sleep. By incorporating these strategies into your evening routine, you can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 1. Establish a Consistent Evening ..read more

Have you considered joining group therapy? Therapy groups are a fantastic way to contextualize personal development, and complement individual therapy as well. This blog is designed to help you understand the benefits and process of group therapy so that you can determine if it’s correct for you. The process of group therapy is quite different from individual psychotherapy in that the therapeutic mechanism is the dynamics and in-situ processing of interpersonal challenges. The pressing issue is no longer as important as the way the issue affects the individual, the couple, and the system (com ..read more

Lack of motivation can be a significant roadblock in our personal and professional lives. It can hinder progress, lead to more procrastination, and make it difficult to achieve goals. On the other hand, with the right strategies and mindset, it’s possible to overcome that obstacle. The following are six effective tips to help you manage and improve your lack of motivation, enabling you to regain control and achieve your goals.   1. Set Clear and Meaningful Goals: One of the primary reasons for a lack of motivation is a lack of clear or specific goals. You could be setting yourself up for ..read more

As we step into a new year, many of us are ready to set goals and resolutions to improve our lives. However, these goals typically fade away within a few weeks or months. As a therapist, I've witnessed the struggles individuals face in staying committed to their goals. In this blog, I will provide you with insights and practical tips to effectively create and stick to your New Year goals to ensure a successful and fulfilling year ahead. 1. Reflect Before Setting Goals: Before diving into goal-setting, take the time to reflect on the previous year. Acknowledge your accomplishments, challenges ..read more

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, we're filled with a surge of hope and determination to transform our lives. Yet, more often than not, those well-intentioned resolutions fizzle out faster than the confetti falls. In this post, we'll delve into the cliché of "New Year, New You" and explore why, despite its reputation, it holds genuine transformative potential. The Essence of Change Each year, individuals embark on the journey of setting resolutions with passion and dedication. Yet, the ephemeral nature of these resolutions raises a crucial question: Are we truly willing to chan ..read more

We all have an underlying need for attention. In fact, without anyone to pay attention to us, none of our needs could be met. When we look at Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, our need for attention, with respect to our intimate relationships, falls within the Love and Belonging level of the pyramid. In our relationships, we all have a desired level of attention that we expect our partner to meet. When this is not met, we question the state of the relationship. How then, can we know if our need for attention is a healthy level of attention? There are 3 main levels of attention that we might seek i ..read more

Effective communication is vital for building and maintaining healthy relationships. Here are some tips to help you communicate openly and honestly with your loved ones: 1. Create a Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment: Establish a safe and non-judgmental environment where both parties feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Encourage open dialogue by listening attentively, maintaining eye contact, and showing empathy and understanding. 2. Use "I" Statements: When expressing your thoughts or concerns, use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. For example, say, "I feel up ..read more