Many of the clients I work with carry emotional burdens that didn’t start in their current relationship. They often feel like the “responsible one,” the emotional caretaker, or the one who keeps the peace. Over time, that responsibility becomes heavy, leading to...
Dear Therapist, My partner keeps telling me I’m defensive. I don’t see it that way. I feel like I’m just explaining myself. I don’t want to come across as difficult, but I also don’t think it’s fair to always take the blame. How do I know if I’m actually being...
Being married to someone with ADHD can bring unique strengths — creativity, passion, and spontaneity — but it also comes with challenges that can leave the neurotypical, or non-ADHD partner, feeling drained. Over time, the extra mental load, repeated reminders, and...
Many people believe empathy is something you’re born with—but in truth, it’s a skill you can practice. And in a world that can feel heavy and overwhelming, empathy is an unsung hero. But what is empathy, and how can you cultivate it? Whether you’re trying to...
Blame and denial are natural responses when relationships feel tense or uncertain. Many couples struggle with communication breakdowns, emotional distance, and repeated conflict. Yet, few realize how often these patterns are fueled by underlying defenses like blame...
Dear Therapist, I’ve been reading about the Four Horsemen from The Gottman Method, and I really want to improve how I show up in my relationship. But honestly, it’s hard to catch myself in the moment. Sometimes it feels like I only realize I was critical or defensive...
AuDHD is the experience of having both Autism and ADHD—and it's more common than you might think. For many couples, this dual neurotype can bring both strengths and challenges to a relationship, including emotional dysregulation, executive functioning struggles, and...
Communication isn’t always easy in relationships, especially when emotions run high. Many couples struggle to express their true feelings directly to each other, fearing conflict, rejection, or simply not knowing how to put their emotions into words. Instead of...