This is a question that I hear a lot in the first few sessions of working with individuals and couples. Client(s) are always interested to know if a specific struggle should be processed in an individual therapy setting, or if this something that should/could be addressed in couples therapy. And, then do we need couples or sex therapy? In short, the answer to this question is a bit more complicated than it appears!
Read MoreMarch’s highlighted position of the month is the Flex and Fondle. Hopefully things are beginning to calm down for you and yours after the chaos that ensued for many with the freak winter storm that swept much of the nation and state. Here’s to carving out some connecting time with your partner(s) for some much-needed sexual connection.
Read MoreCodependency has become widely regarded as a dirty word when it comes to relationships in our culture. American culture places a heavy emphasis on being wholly independent, independent from family, financially independent, as well as emotionally independent. We hear through all sorts of media that a strong person is one who does not rely on anyone else.
Read MoreDid you know your brain has a negativity bias? That’s right. Your brain is actually wired to see negative context first and you have to work extra hard to think positively. In some ways, this is a strength because it allows us to best protect ourselves against danger. Although, it can also contribute to a lot of the pain, anger, and burnout we experience in our jobs, our relationships, and other parts of our lives. The good news is that we can change the neurochemistry of our brains by consistently practicing new ways of thinking.
Read Morehe Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is a metaphor describing the end of times in the New Testament. Relationship experts, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, use this metaphor to describe communication styles that often predict the end of a relationship. Through four decades of research, working with more than 3,000 couples, the Gottmans have also created a series of antidotes to battle the four horsemen.
Read MoreMany couples become gridlocked on issues. This means they have the same perpetual fight and cannot reach a conclusion or compromise. This is how many couples find themselves on my couch… Well, I guess on my computer screen these days. Many couples are now becoming gridlocked on issues surrounding the pandemic. I find these fights carry even more tension, as what one partner does can impact the other, as well as the entire family.
Read MoreThe steps seem so easy in this all too familiar playground song. We were taught at a young age that after you fall in love, you get married, then you have children… And then everyone lives happily ever after. We now know that relationships and love can come in many different forms and don’t always follow this simple childhood song; however, many still continue to believe in the fairytale of what we think life will look like after having a baby. For many, they believe their relationship will grow stronger, they will feel more in love, and live blissfully ever after when starting a family.
Read MoreLet’s talk about sex…Now that I have everyone’s attention, let’s really talk about sex. When a marriage is going through a dip, I often hear from my clients that their sexual intimacy also suffers. It makes sense because sex requires vulnerability with our partner.
Read MoreJuly’s highlighted position of the month, is the Sphinx Seduction. While a sexual experience is a time to emotionally connect with one another, it is also a great time to get your blood pumping and release physical energy together. In the midst of a quarantine, it could also help you both to feel more connected to one another and ease any stress that both of you might be feeling.
Read MoreFalling in love is so much fun. It’s so much fun in fact, that you actually become addicted to it; while falling in love, your brain release chemicals, such as vasopressin, adrenaline, dopamine, and oxytocin that allow you to feel pleasure and a euphoric sense of purpose.
Read MoreEven though much of society is preparing for the re-opening of businesses, I still thought it pertinent to include some recommendations that have been posted for Sex and the Coronavirus Pandemic (found here). The safest recommended person to have sex with is still yourself (YAY - for masturbation), and then the next safest person being someone that you live with, as you are already vulnerable to being exposed to one another.
Read MoreThe world did not stop:
People chose to love each other enough to stay home.
Friendships became stronger as humans became more creative in connecting.