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...
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...
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...
As my husband and I approached our one-year anniversary, we wanted to take a romantic vacation to reconnect and recharge. We explored couples retreats, beach getaways, mountain hideaways, and even a few international options, hoping to unplug from work and...
Are you feeling at a crossroads in your relationship with your husband? Or perhaps you and your wife have different goals for your partnership? Every relationship is unique, and couples often choose to stay together, separate, or seek couples therapy for various...
Dear Therapist, My husband and I have been married for 24 years and are now realizing just how far our relationship has drifted. We recently sent our youngest child off to college, so we’ve become hyper-aware of how distant we've grown. I’ve always been raised to...