The holiday season is often described as joyful—but for many people, it’s also a time of overwhelm, over stimulation, and emotional pressure.

We all know that feeling once the clocks turn back, thankful for the extra hour of sleep, but suddenly it’s dark before most of us even leave work! The crisp fall breeze quickly turns into what feels like the arctic tundra, and with that shift many of us notice changes in our mood, energy, and motivation.

Communication is one of the pillars of a relationship, and the way we communicate can either bring us closer together or push us apart. When it comes to conflict, it is inevitable in any relationship. However, what separates the ‘relationship masters’ from the ‘relationship disasters’ is the way in which they manage it. 

Sexual fulfillment plays a vital role in enhancing relationships by fostering warmth, emotional intimacy, and desire. Sometimes, one or both partners may experience reduced sexual satisfaction or a lack of desire, which can impact their connection.

At some point, many of us feel uncertain or stuck in our careers. Maybe you're questioning your current path, or unsure of where to even start.

Have you ever found yourself in an argument where your partner suddenly goes quiet, avoids eye contact, or leaves the room? Or maybe you’re the one who feels overwhelmed and senses yourself shutting down. This is called emotional withdrawal, and it’s one of the most common patterns we see in relationships.

We tend to think of grief as black and white. Someone sadly passes away, and those who loved them mourn their loss. Though, there are other kinds of grief that live in the grey of the losses we don’t always recognize as such.

According to Dr. John Gottman, a renowned couples therapist, there are four behaviors that have been identified that can predict break-up and divorce. These four behaviors are named the “four horsemen” and include contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stone-walling.

Have you ever taken a trip with friends only to realize your travel styles don’t quite match up? A recent article for EliteDaily explored the ups and downs of girls’ trips, from photo-ops to money stress to mismatched energy,  and how honest conversations can make or break the experience.

The start of a new school year brings a mix of emotions. Excitement about a fresh start often comes with stress about academics, social life, and the many transitions that fall onto your plate all at once. Whether you’re heading to college for the first time, returning after summer break, or you are a parent supporting your child through these changes, this season can feel overwhelming.

When couples reach out for support, they often imagine the traditional model: one hour a week, sitting across from a therapist, slowly working through the issues that brought them in. For many couples, this works beautifully. But for others - especially those in acute distress or facing patterns that feel entrenched - waiting seven days between sessions can feel like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water.

The stories we tell ourselves seep into our subconscious and affect our self-esteem. It’s so important to be mindful of the way in which we speak to ourselves even if it’s just in our own head. Because most of us have an inner critic, it is especially important to understand the deference between shame and guilt.

Relationships are a journey of growth, and one of the key lessons is that differences between partners aren’t just inevitable—they’re essential. Recognizing and accepting these differences can actually strengthen a relationship, fostering deeper understanding and connection.

Abuse can be defined in different ways. The textbook definition of abuse is likely to be defined as cruel or violent treatment towards people or animals repeatedly or regularly. It can be confusing when applying what abuse looks like in personal relationships; maybe with romantic partners, colleagues, and even family.

Codependency is a behavioral pattern where someone focuses so much on other people’s needs,  emotions, or problems that they begin to neglect their own. People in codependent dynamics  often feel responsible for keeping others happy and may overextend themselves to avoid conflict  or abandonment.  

Every human being has thousands of thoughts per day. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are interconnected and form a triad or triangle. Each of these integral pieces of the triad influence and inform one another. These three psychological processes form a chain-like reaction and the first domino to fall is the thought.

When we’re struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or relationship difficulties, we often feel stuck—caught in cycles of self-criticism, numbness, or emotional overwhelm. Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) offers a way through that stuckness, not by avoiding emotions, but by turning toward them with compassion and curiosity.