As a therapist, I’ve seen how meaningful traditions can strengthen family bonds, provide stability, and offer a sense of continuity and belonging. In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, holiday traditions give families an opportunity to slow down, connect, and create lasting memories. More than just routines, these practices play a key role in promoting emotional health, building family identity, and enhancing resilience.

In this post, I’ll explore why family traditions during the holidays are so valuable and how they contribute to a deeper sense of connection and well-being. We’ll look at the psychological benefits of holiday traditions and offer some ideas on how to create or adapt your own family’s rituals—no matter what life throws your way.

Telehealth therapy, also known as online therapy, remote therapy, or virtual therapy, uses technology such as video calls, phone sessions, and secure messaging to connect therapists with clients. While this approach has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, it’s important to consider whether it aligns with your personal needs, goals, and preferences.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of telehealth therapy, address some common concerns, and outline the types of clients and issues that telehealth is best suited for. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether this format might be the right fit for you.

When life gets busy or overwhelming, it’s easy for our surroundings to reflect the chaos we’re feeling inside. Piles of papers on the kitchen counter, a closet stuffed with clothes you rarely wear, or a desk covered in everything except what you’re currently working on can all become visual reminders of stress, making it difficult to relax, focus, and feel in control. What you may not realize is that your environment—whether it’s your home, office, or even your car—has a direct impact on your mental and emotional well-being.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people experience a noticeable shift in their mood and energy levels. While it’s common to feel a bit more sluggish during the colder months, some individuals experience a deeper and more serious form of winter blues known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those who struggle with SAD, the changing seasons can bring about intense feelings of sadness, lethargy, and even hopelessness, making it difficult to maintain a sense of well-being and motivation.

At its core, gratitude is the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to you. It’s recognizing the good things in your life—whether big or small—and taking the time to appreciate them. Gratitude can be directed toward people, experiences, or even small daily comforts like a warm cup of tea or a sunny morning.

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a deeper acknowledgment of the positive aspects of life and the contributions that others (and even circumstances) make to our happiness and well-being. It’s about noticing, savoring, and cherishing what’s good.

As a licensed family therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how the holidays—despite being portrayed as the “most wonderful time of the year”—can sometimes become a source of stress, frustration, and even conflict for families. People often come to me feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to make everything perfect, navigate complicated family dynamics, and meet everyone’s expectations. Instead of feeling joyful and connected, they’re left exhausted, irritated, or even resentful.

As a marriage therapist, I’ve guided numerous couples through the complex process of healing after an affair. I’ve seen firsthand how devastating infidelity can be—but I’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience of couples who are willing to do the hard work of rebuilding their relationship. This blog post will outline how marriage therapy can support couples in the aftermath of betrayal, helping them navigate the pain, restore trust, and ultimately, rebuild a stronger partnership.

If you’re considering therapy to improve your relationship, it likely means you care deeply about your partner and want to work on building a stronger, healthier bond. But what if your partner doesn’t share the same enthusiasm? Maybe they’ve expressed reluctance or outright refused the idea of going to therapy. If that’s the case, you might feel frustrated, misunderstood, or even a bit discouraged.

For many people, the thought of boarding an airplane evokes excitement and a sense of adventure. But for others, the mere idea of stepping onto a plane is enough to trigger overwhelming anxiety, panic, or even sheer terror. If you’ve experienced this fear yourself, you know it’s not just about feeling a little nervous—it’s a deeply unsettling experience that can leave you feeling out of control.

When life is hectic, finding uninterrupted time to talk—really talk—can feel impossible. Therapy carves out this space, giving you the opportunity to focus solely on your relationship without distractions.

f you’ve ever dealt with a phobia, you know how it can go from being a mere inconvenience to something that dictates what you can and cannot do. It doesn’t just create anxiety in certain situations—it actively prevents you from achieving your goals, both big and small.

So, how do phobias interfere with our ability to live a full, successful life? And more importantly, is there a way to break free from their grip? Let’s explore how phobias can keep you stuck, and then I’ll introduce a powerful therapeutic approach called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) that can help you overcome them.

Think of marriage therapy as a form of proactive relationship maintenance—just like you’d take your car in for a tune-up long before the engine breaks down. When couples make the choice to work on their relationship early, they often find that they’re able to strengthen their bond, communicate better, and rediscover the joy in their partnership.

ART is a versatile therapy that can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, ranging from trauma and PTSD to anxiety, depression, phobias, and even relationship issues. This post will take a closer look at the specific conditions ART can treat and how it works to provide relief for individuals dealing with these challenges.

Laughter is a powerful tool for enhancing and maintaining a healthy, happy relationship. It strengthens emotional connections, improves communication, reduces stress, fosters resilience, and even enhances physical intimacy. By finding ways to laugh together, couples can create a more joyful and supportive partnership that can withstand the inevitable challenges of life

Childhood trauma can cast a long shadow over our adult relationships, influencing how we connect, communicate, and respond to our partners. However, it is possible to break free from these patterns and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships. By understanding how trauma impacts your relationship dynamics and implementing strategies such as mindful communication, emotional regulation, and boundary-setting, you can foster a more secure, loving connection with your partner.

Setting and keeping personal goals for daily living is essential for personal growth, well-being, and fulfillment. While achieving these goals requires dedication, persistence, and effective strategies, therapy intensives using Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can provide the support and tools needed to achieve your goals more quickly and effectively.

Recognizing the signs that your partner may be struggling with unresolved trauma is an essential step toward supporting them on their journey to healing. Remember, unresolved trauma can manifest in various ways—emotional reactivity, avoidance, trust issues, hypervigilance, and physical symptoms. Approaching these signs with empathy, understanding, and patience can help create a safe and supportive environment for your partner.

PTSD symptoms can vary widely but often include intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative mood changes, and heightened anxiety. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward seeking help and beginning the journey to recovery. Learn more about the common symptoms of PTSD, how they can affect your daily life, and the most effective treatments available to help you regain control and improve your well-being.

Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. As a therapist specializing in marriage therapy, I've seen firsthand how vital effective communication is to a couple's ability to connect, resolve conflicts, and build a life together that feels supportive and fulfilling.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective approach for couples looking to improve communication, deepen emotional connection, and resolve conflicts. By focusing on the emotions underlying relationship dynamics, EFT helps partners create secure, lasting bonds. Whether you're dealing with frequent arguments, emotional distance, or unresolved issues, EFT can provide the tools and insights needed to transform your relationship. Discover how EFT can help you and your partner build a stronger, more connected partnership today.