The
BLOG
What To Do If Your Partner Acts Differently Toward You Around Family or Work Colleagues
Noticing your partner behaving differently around family or colleagues can feel confusing or even hurtful. They might seem more distant, overly agreeable, or act in a way that feels out of character compared to how they are in private. While this shift can be unsettling, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong in your relationship. Understanding the underlying reasons and addressing them with care is key.
This One Phrase Can Help You De-Escalate Conflict Immediately
There’s one simple phrase that can shift the tone of a heated conversation, calm tensions, and foster collaboration. Our therapists recommend it as a great way to diffuse a heated situation.
Why is Moving So Stressful for Couples?
Moving stirs up all of our most sensitive inner issues: money, security, connection, community, and meaning. Understanding why moving is so challenging for couples can help you navigate this stressful time with patience and teamwork.
How to Keep a Friendship from Draining You
Having solid friendships is one of the most significant predictors of health. But sometimes, they can become one-sided or draining. This imbalance can leave you feeling exhausted, and over time, it can affect your well-being. Here's how to recognize, contain, and reclaim your energy from draining friendships.
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.
Is It Okay to Give My Therapist A Holiday Gift?
When it comes to giving a holiday gift to your therapist, there are some important considerations. Here's what you should know.
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?
How to Pace Yourself in Dating: Building Healthy Connections with Attachment Style Awareness
So you both swiped right and you've got those furious butterflies in your stomach. You can't believe you finally met someone you really click with! But how do you proceed without getting way ahead of yourself and getting hurt? How can you prevent codependence? How do you lean into the excitement without scaring them off?
When is it Okay to Trauma Dump? A Trauma Therapist Explains…
Let's explore the dangers of trauma dumping in certain situations and how to handle these awkward conversations. We'll also talk about how sharing is different in trauma therapy and how to approach telling your story.
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.
Difficulty Regulating Emotions? It Might Be Your Attachment Style
Our attachment style is developed early in life through our interactions with primary caregivers. This programming translates directly into how seamlessly we can respond to stress and unexpected events. Understanding this link can help explain why some struggle with emotions and responses.
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.
Boundaries Are Over; Here’s What’s Next
When therapy terms like "boundaries" become widespread, they often get diluted and distorted. People invoke boundaries when making selfish or unkind decisions, using the term as a barrier instead of a helpful relationship tool. After years of helping people with trauma and relationship problems, we've seen the downsides of this distortion. It's sometimes used to gaslight and avoid responsibility. But we're not advising to abandon the concept of boundaries altogether. Here's the future of how we talk about boundaries.
What Not To Say To Someone Who Has Sexual Trauma
There are many things you shouldn't say to someone who has been the victim of a sexual crime. After experiencing the ultimate loss of power and autonomy, too many people are accused of lying or exaggerating. Here are things you should never say to a survivor of sexual assault and what to say instead.
Dealing With Difficult People: The Gray Rock Technique
Dealing with difficult people is exhausting. You find yourself dreading interactions, uncertain how to avoid the drama. That's where the Gray Rock Technique comes in. It's a powerful tool to maintain your peace of mind when dealing with challenging people.
14 Things to Say (or Not Say) When Someone Experiences Loss
It can be challenging to know what to say to someone who has experienced loss. It’s tempting to want to fix their pain. Here are 14 therapist-approved things to say to help someone you care about deal with loss.
Why You Can't Find Words to Talk About Your Trauma
Trauma is a heavy burden to bear. Sometimes, it can feel impossible to find the words to talk about it. Whether you're seeking therapy or trying to open up to a friend, verbalizing your trauma can be a challenge. There's science behind this difficulty, and strategies to help you unburden yourself by sharing with a trusted person.
8 Words Therapists Want You to Stop Using Wrong: What to Say Instead
Words are powerful tools for understanding and communicating. When used incorrectly, they can perpetuate misconceptions, stigmas, and confusion. Here are eight words that therapists wish you'd stop using incorrectly and alternative phrases that promote a more accurate and compassionate dialogue.
Holiday Gatherings: Three Steps to Thrive With Complicated Family Dynamics
The holiday season brings the promise of joy and togetherness. But for many of us, the prospect of spending extended time with family can be a source of stress and anxiety. If you find yourself in a situation where the holidays with family are more challenging than cheery, fear not. We've got three practical steps to not only survive but thrive during this festive season.
Tune in to the latest
Listen to what our therapists are talking about on the latest podcasts, videos, and more!
AS FEATURED IN:
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!