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Age Gap Relationships: Can They Work?
It’s true that a big age difference can bring unique challenges, but these relationships can definitely work. Like intercultural or interfaith couples, the key to success is empathy, respect, and open communication. Let’s look at why age gaps can be tricky and how couples can overcome the challenges.
Is It a Bad Idea to Schedule Sex with My Partner?
Scheduling intimacy isn't a bad idea—it’s actually one of the best ways to prioritize your relationship. Protected time for closeness ensures you’re making time for the person who matters most to you. Here's what our couples therapists have to say about scheduling sex and intimacy.
When and How to Take a Break During a Heated Discussion
We’ve all been in a heated discussion that spirals out of control, leaving both parties feeling frustrated and misunderstood. Knowing when to take a break can be the key to maintaining healthy communication. Sometimes, taking a break allows for a more productive conversation later. But how do we know when to take a break? And how do we regulate ourselves so we can come back with a cool, clear head?
What Does Healthy Conflict Look Like in Relationships?
Healthy conflict is important for a satisfying relationship, while avoidance can lead to distance, resentment, and dissatisfaction. Understanding how to make conflict productive helps build a strong and satisfying partnership.
How Couples Can Be Less Codependent And Move Toward Interdependence
While closeness in a relationships feels good, losing your independent sense of self isn't good for anyone. Transitioning from codependence to interdependence—a state where partners support each other while maintaining their own identities—requires effort. Here's how to do it.
What is Codependency? A Couples Therapist Explains
The term "codependency" is used to describe relationships where one person seems to lose themselves in the needs of another. Originally rooted in the context of addiction and substance use, the term has broadened to include a range of unhealthy relational dynamics. Let’s explore what codependency is and how it manifests in relationships.
What to Do If Your Partner is Smothering You
If you feel like your partner is smothering you, it's important to address the issue in a way that respects both your needs and theirs. Understanding why this might be happening through the lens of attachment can be a helpful first step in finding relief for both of you.
Five Ways Internalized Homophobia is Ruining Your Relationship
We can't live in a society that discriminates against us LGBT folks and not have it effect us. It also affects our closest, most sacred relationships. Here are subtle ways it might be showing up and what to do about it.
What’s the Difference? Relationship Dealbreakers, Incompatibilities & Perpetual Problems
Relationships are beautifully complex. They can be challenging, with issues that test the strength of your bond. Understanding the differences between dealbreakers, incompatibilities, perpetual problems, and differences in core values can help you navigate your relationship better and determine when couples therapy might be needed.
Deep, Meaningful Relationships Are The True Markers of Health and Success
We often measure success by our job titles, salaries, and material possessions. It's become too easy to prioritize external achievements and milestones. Yet, research consistently shows that the true cornerstone of happiness lies in the quality of our relationships. Whether it's with family, friends, or partners, these connections have a profound impact on our life satisfaction. Here's why, and how millennials can create more depth in our relationships.
Healthy Relationships: How To Repair After a Rupture
If you've never learned the art of healthy repair, you're not alone. Many people don't have positive models for how to repair after a rupture. Rest assured, it's a skill that can be cultivated over time. Here's how to start repairing relationships after a rupture, whether it's with a partner, friend, colleague, or family member.
Internalized Homophobia in Lesbian Couples: Overcoming Through LGBT Couples Therapy
Life is a shared journey when you're part of a couple. Like any journey, it has its share of challenges. One significant challenge that can impact a lesbian relationship's health is internalized homophobia. Its effects can be simple but profound: feelings of shame, guilt, or self-rejection that stem from prejudices against non-straight people.
Proven Kinds Of Therapy: What They Are And When They’re Helpful
Evidence-based practices are essential foundations in therapy. They're supported by research and clinical experience. Not all therapists use them, and some of these methods may not work for everyone. Here's a brief explanation of different types of therapy and alternatives to consider if these practices don't work for you.
How To Support A Partner Who Has Sexual Trauma
What do you do when your partner has been the victim of sexual trauma and you want to support them? What if you still want to have a great sex life together? We'll walk you through the most common responses to sexual trauma and how to be a supportive, loving partner.
Podcast: What Straight Couples Can Learn From LGBT Couples
Our clinical director is featured on the Empowered Relationship podcast with Dr. Jessica Higgins. She reviews what LGBT couples can teach straight couples and what to look for in a great LGBT couples therapist.
Can Couples Therapy Make Things Worse?
Couples therapy can be a pivotal intervention for relationships facing challenges. But it's not without its potential pitfalls. One common concern is whether couples therapy can make things worse. And yes, sometimes it can make things worse. Let's explore how and why that might happen and what to do about it.
Sex After Sexual Trauma: How To Be A Good Lover To A Survivor
When and how to approach sex with someone who has been assaulted can be tricky business. Every experience is different, and no amount of research or good intention can replace healthy communication with your partner. Here's what you should know about how to be a great partner, spouse, lover, or friend-with-benefits to someone who has been sexually assaulted or raped.
What We Can Learn From Michelle Obama’s Experience In Couples Therapy
Couples often come to therapy at a point of crisis or significant life changes. The hope is for a sudden, dramatic turnaround in the relationship. And it's totally possible to change. We've seen it happen. But a roadblock arises when someone expects their partner to be the sole catalyst for change. Even Michelle Obama experienced this. Let's explore why this can be problematic and why a different approach is key in couples therapy.
When Couples Therapy Is A Bad Idea
Couples therapy can be a powerful resource for improving relationships. But there are situations in which couples therapy may not be advisable or effective. Here are the most common reasons couples therapy might be a bad idea.
13 Ways To Support Your Anxious Partner
It's hard when your partner is going through something you can't fix. Anxiety can be a challenging experience, not just for the person going through it but also for their partner. If your loved one is dealing with anxiety, it's hard to know where to start. Here are 13 practical strategies for being there for your partner.
Our latest podcast guest episodes
Listen to what our therapists are talking about on the latest podcasts and more!
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Our Teletherapy Services In California & Florida
We offer individualized teletherapy for a wide range of mental health and relational issues. Our San Francisco & Los Angeles teletherapists can help with anxiety, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, LGBT issues, holistic therapy, enneagram therapy, therapy for lawyers, couples therapy, and therapy for teenagers. We serve many people in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles, as well as throughout California and Florida. Our team is anti-racist, body positive, LGBT and trans affirming and sex positive. You deserve to feel good!