Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but for couples coping with the impact of complex PTSD (C-PTSD), maintaining open and productive dialogue can be especially challenging. Emotional dysregulation—a common symptom of C-PTSD—can significantly hinder communication and create an environment where misunderstandings, conflict, and emotional pain take center stage.

Intimacy and vulnerability are essential components of healthy relationships, but for individuals with an avoidant attachment style, these aspects of connection can be particularly challenging. Avoidant attachment often manifests as a deep-seated fear of emotional closeness, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining intimate relationships.

It’s completely normal for conflicts to arise in relationships. But, how we respond to these conflicts can reveal deep-seated patterns and beliefs about ourselves and others. Some individuals have a natural tendency to blame others when faced with challenges, deflecting responsibility and externalizing the problem. Conversely, others are quick to shoulder the blame, assuming fault even when it may not be warranted.

Self-blame is a common, yet often overlooked, aspect in relationships. When difficulties arise, one partner will often shoulder the responsibility, while the other remains mostly unaccountable. As this cycle perpetuates, it creates an imbalance that prevents growth and healing. In this blog post, we're discussing self-blame in relationships, why it's often easier to blame ourselves than our partners, and how this pattern can impact individual and relational well-being.

As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I often work with individuals who make the challenging decision to establish boundaries or seek space from their parents. This choice can stem from various factors, each contributing to a unique and complex set of emotions. Let's explore some common reasons why adults may choose this path and discuss the grief and guilt that accompanies such a decision.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality assessment tool designed to offer insights into individual preferences, tendencies, and behaviors. Developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers in the mid-20th century, the MBTI draws upon the psychological theories of Carl Jung to categorize individuals into one of 16 distinct personality types.

In recent years, the term "narcissism" has become increasingly prevalent in discussions about personality traits and interpersonal dynamics. Narcissism, rooted in Greek mythology, refers to a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. The rise of social media and a culture of self-promotion have greatly contributed to the visibility of narcissistic behaviors in society today.

Sex therapy is often the first step that many couples take in hopes of fostering deeper connection and satisfaction in their relationship as a whole. But, it isn’t always the most successful or sustainable route to take. As a couples therapist, I've worked with many individuals and couples who’ve ultimately discovered that the source of their disconnection goes deeper than sex.

The journey of self-discovery and healing is often fueled by a desire for positive change in various aspects of our lives, including relationships. However, one common frustration that emerges is the realization that, despite your personal growth and evolving perspectives, the same may not be true for those around you.

In this blog post, we'll explore what it means to be conflict avoidant, the impact of childhood experiences on conflict resolution, and how therapeutic work can empower individuals to repair relationships even when conflict feels challenging.

There's a fine line between harmless fun and hurtful teasing that can strain a relationship.

C-PTSD is very similar to PTSD, but it is more complex and has more far-reaching effects on a person's emotional, psychological, and relationship health.

It’s absolutely possible to find a secure, connected, emotionally safe relationship with a friend, family member, or partner.

Attachment theory primarily came out of research between infants and caregivers, so what does attachment style have anything to do with your adult relationships, you may ask?

You’ve seen “attachment” show up more and more in social media, but what does it really mean?