The world changed when cell phones came into our lives, and so did our relationships. Phone use in relationships has become part of everyday life. With the touch of a finger, we can connect with people, ideas, entertainment, directions, work, news, and almost anything we might want to buy. We can manage everyday tasks, stay connected across long distances, and …
There’s something both exciting and comforting about our phones. Our social media feeds seem to know us so well—wellness products, ab routines, golf swing tips, recipes, travel ideas. It can feel like having a friend who always wants to talk about exactly what interests us. Sometimes we even convince ourselves that scrolling is productive. We tell ourselves we’re learning how …
On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I learned about a few phrases that seem woven into the culture. The first was Pura Vida, which Costa Ricans say all the time. Literally translated, it means “pure life,” but it carries a much richer meaning. It’s a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed as it is. You don’t need endless …
Human relationships are not built on perfection. Even in loving, healthy relationships, people misunderstand one another, lose patience, become defensive, forget important things, or say things they later regret. Conflict is inevitable. What often matters most is not whether harm occurs, but how we respond afterward. When my children were young, I didn’t overfocus on intervening in every squabble. Instead, …
There are seasons in relationships when things feel heavy. A quiet distance settles in, and we begin to sense that something important is slipping away. In those moments, it’s common for the mind to fill in the gaps with fear-based stories rather than facts—Maybe we’re not right for each other anymore. Maybe this is how it ends. Hopelessness can creep …
Before we explore what good couples therapy is, it’s important to clarify what it isn’t. Good couples therapy is not about identifying a transgressor and a victim—a “good” partner and a “bad” one. It is not about taking sides or assigning blame. When therapy becomes about proving who is right, it often deepens disconnection rather than healing it. Instead, good …
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but choosing a therapist is often more personal—and more intuitive—than most people realize. Research consistently shows that the strongest predictor of successful therapy isn’t a specific technique or approach. It’s the connection you feel with the therapist sitting across from you. Every therapist brings their own style, training, and personality to the room. …
In my work with couples therapy, I often witness something both heartbreaking and hopeful: two people sitting across from each other, struggling to say anything positive. Sometimes this reflects a deeper disconnection — a lack of warm feelings that have eroded over time. But, more often than not, the love and appreciation are still there. They just aren’t being spoken …
In a world that moves fast and communicates in half-thought texts and emoji reactions, it’s easy to take things personally. A friend takes hours to reply, a colleague seems short in a meeting, someone unfollows you online—and suddenly, it can feel like rejection. Yet the simple advice to not take things personally—popularized by The Four Agreements—remains one of the most …
Couples therapy can be life-changing—when both partners are ready and willing to participate. When two people enter the process committed to improving their relationship, open to honest communication, and able to trust that each person will do the work, therapy can foster insight, connection, and meaningful repair. However, not every relationship situation is appropriate for couples therapy. In some cases, …
