Case Study: Rebuilding Connection in the Midst of Family Life

Tom and Kate, a couple in their mid-40's with two school-aged children, came to therapy feeling worn down by the pace of family life. Between work, homework, after-school activities, and the nightly struggle to get everyone to bed, they felt like they were spending all their energy on the children and none on their relationship.Continue reading "Case Study: Rebuilding Connection in the Midst of Family Life"

Responsive and Spontaneous Desire: Understanding Sexual Desire

The common story around sexual desire is that it just happens. You see your partner walk in through the door, or come out of the shower wrapped in a towel, and bam! You want sex. This is generally called spontaneous desire. But there's another form of desire that’s often left out of the movies, andContinue reading "Responsive and Spontaneous Desire: Understanding Sexual Desire"

Navigating Sexual Desire: Why One Partner Wants Sex More Than the Other

A common concern I often hear from couples is that one partner desires sex more than the other or takes the lead in initiating intimacy. Over time, this dynamic can lead to feelings of rejection, inadequacy, and frustration. However, when I dig deeper into the issue, it often turns out that the problem isn’t a lack of attraction. So, what’s really going on?

Healthy Conflict: Strengthen Your Relationship

Healthy conflict is essential for strong relationships. Avoiding arguments can lead to unresolved issues and emotional distance. By learning to manage conflict constructively, couples can build trust, strengthen their connection, and improve intimacy. The Gottman Institute offers key strategies for navigating conflict and fostering a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.

How Stress Triggers Anxiety and How to Manage It

Anxiety is defined by Dr. Wendy Suzuki as “the psychological and physical response to stress”. That stress can be real or imagined - the body can’t tell the difference. But either way, stress is an inevitable part of life and necessary to enable us to learn, adapt, and evolve both as individuals and as a species. Although we might want a quiet life, it’s actually through challenges that we find the greatest opportunities for learning and growth.  Read More

Navigating Divorce: How to Support Your Children Through Change

Divorce can be challenging for children, but with the right approach, it can also build resilience and empathy. By managing conflict, maintaining healthy boundaries, and encouraging open communication, parents can help their children cope and grow stronger through the experience. This article explores the positive outcomes of divorce for children.

Understanding Emotional Raw Spots in Relationships

Emotional raw spots in relationships stem from past wounds and unmet attachment needs, often triggered by small issues. These sensitive areas can lead to destructive patterns of behaviour. Understanding and addressing them with compassion, both individually and through therapy, can heal emotional wounds and strengthen relationships over time.

Healing After Infidelity: Steps to Recovery

Healing after infidelity involves restoring safety, rebuilding trust, and understanding the deeper issues that led to the betrayal. While recovery is a challenging, non-linear process, with time, remorse, and commitment from both partners, it is possible to rebuild a stronger relationship. Avoid rushing decisions and allow for emotional healing.

Understanding Affairs: The Gottman Approach

Secrets tend to begin with omission. While in loving relationships, interactions with others that have the potential to hurt our partner are avoided, in unhealthy relationships, connection with others are used to fill an emotional need that isn’t being met in the relationship. As avoidance and hiding behaviour increases with our partner, there is an active turning toward others. At a vulnerable moment boundaries are crossed, and actual betrayal begins.  Read More