Making the decision to engage in couples therapy can be difficult. You might feel it’s an admission that you’re somehow failing as a partner, or that your partner is failing you. But reaching out for professional help is a positive step — it means you care about the relationship. Having made the decision to […]
Tag Archives: therapy
Finding Your Unique Path Through Grief
Grief is a natural part of life. Inevitable losses — of a spouse or relationship, a pet, a friendship — can provoke pain and a sense of profound emptiness. While there’s plenty of well-meaning “how to” information available, grief is a unique experience for every individual, so being sensitive to your unique circumstances and reactions […]
Put Feelings Before Figures When Fighting Over Finances
More than four in 10 married couples in the U.S. report that they argue about money. So if you and your spouse are fighting about how much to spend on your upcoming theme park vacation or whether you can afford a new SUV, you’re not alone. Money fights are notorious for the stress they can […]
Living — Together — With ADHD
Living with a partner who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or living with a partner while having ADHD, can be challenging at times. Compensatory ADHD strategies can work well for both individuals and the relationship. Remember, you’re in this together. ADHD is a cluster of behaviors that can include hyperactivity, difficulty maintaining […]
Feeling vs. Fixing
When Joe suggested that his wife Anita hire another worker for her business, he was trying to be helpful. So he was surprised by her sharp response: “That’s not what I need right now. Stop telling me what to do.” After all, Anita had approached Joe to talk about her frustration with her […]
How to Make Health Activities More Fun
While our neighbors in the north prepare for winter’s chill to take hold, this is the time of year where Floridians begin thinking about being outdoors again. Fall and winter in Florida are a respite from the mid-90s temperatures of summer, giving us a chance to get more activity and movement in our daily lives. […]
Compartmentalization: The Good and the Bad
Avoiding emotions is often an unhealthy — or at least unhelpful — reaction, but not always. Compartmentalization is one type of avoidance. And at times, it can be a crucial strength, rather than a weakness. Compartmentalizing, or putting aside conscious thought about a situation or emotion to avoid engaging with it, can be […]
Do You Suffer From Anhedonia? What To Do When You Just Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything
When your mood is low, you may find that you’ve lost interest in activities or relationships that were once a staple part of your life and made you happy. In psychology, such loss of interest or pleasure in people and things that were previously enjoyed is known as anhedonia. Anhedonia can occur during normal […]
Repairing Misattunement is an Opportunity for Growth
Have you ever found yourself crosswise with someone — a friend, a co-worker, a significant other or even your therapist? Maybe you felt your relationship was suddenly out of balance? Of course you have. Everyone has. That “out of balance” feeling is called misattunement: A moment when we’re misunderstood, out of synch and confused […]
I Just Don’t Feel Like Being Around Anyone Right Now
“I just don’t feel like being around people. I want to sit at home and read or watch TV by myself. Is there something wrong with me? Am I okay?” This is a common question I hear from individuals dealing with difficult life events. My first response is, “Yes, you’re okay. That inclination can […]