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...
Let’s face it—stress is a universal experience that can infiltrate every aspect of our lives, including our relationships. Whether it’s work, parenting differences, or health concerns, stress is often an unavoidable part of daily life. But what exactly is stress, and...
Hearing someone say, “I’m giving them the silent treatment” brings up an array of emotions and memories. I feel anxious, recalling times when someone deliberately ignored me, and petty, remembering when I used silence to express frustration or “teach a lesson.” I also...
“Conflict is connection. It’s how we figure out who we are, what we want, who our partners are and who they are becoming, and what they want. It’s how we bridge our differences and find our similarities, our points of connection. The problem is, we haven’t been taught...
How many couples are ready, willing, and able to commit an entire weekend to their relationship? Months ago, I found myself in an interesting position trying to answer this question. At the time, I was a new employee of Connect Couples Therapy* who had just learned...
We’ve all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words.” The common idiom is often associated with apologies, behaviors, and intentions, but perhaps its most crucial implication surrounds communication. Specifically, nonverbal communication. If you’ve found...