Perfectionism: It’s Messing with Your Mental Health, But There’s a Way Out Let’s talk about perfectionism. At first glance, it might seem like a positive thing, right? I mean, who doesn’t want to do their best? But when you take it to the extreme—where you’re constantly chasing some unreachable standard—it starts to mess with your […]

When we talk about couples therapy, the word “communication” comes up a lot. With that in mind, I want to talk about one specific model of communication styles, Virginia Satir’s Model of Communication. This model introduces four distinct communication stress styles: Placater, Blamer, Computer, and Distracter. Communication stress styles refer to the different ways in […]

Family plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ identities and relationships. I want to explore the significance of family roles, and how they impact individuals. Each family member often assumes a specific role within their family dynamic, and often that can inform how they show up in relationships. We will delve into how these roles […]

In love and relationships, we often find ourselves entangled in the allure of fantasies, shielding us from the rawness that is real life. As a couples therapist, it’s crucial to navigate through these illusions and guide couples toward accepting their love as it truly is. Today, I want to delve into the dichotomy of life’s […]

Why is Anger the Most Acceptable Male Emotion? Ever wonder why anger seems to be the go-to emotion for men? As a a therapist in Hermosa Beach working with both couples and individuals, I hear this question all the time. Whether it’s in the therapy room or even in casual conversations, people often ask why […]

Are Feelings Real? Understanding Emotions from a Therapist’s Perspective “Are feelings real? Are we actually feeling reality?” As a therapist, working with both couples and individuals in Hermosa Beach and the South Bay area (and virtually for all you California folks), I hear these questions all the time. Feelings are a central part of being […]

Ever catch yourself asking, “Am I being too sensitive or just a little too dramatic right now?” If so, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of us have those moments where we question our reactions and wonder if we’re over the top or simply overthinking. Spoiler alert: overthinking has a way of turning the volume […]

At the heart of the human brain—our body’s command center, controlling everything from thoughts to emotions and actions—lies the limbic system. This powerhouse of interconnected structures is essential for processing emotions and forming memories. Understanding how it works can shed light on why we feel and behave the way we do, and it offers key […]

The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Your Built-In Chill Button** We all have days when stress piles up, and we just need a moment to breathe. Lucky for us, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) has our back! This amazing part of our body is like a built-in “chill button” that helps us unwind, digest, and recover. Whether […]

The Prefrontal Cortex: Your Brain’s CEO Ever wondered why you sometimes make really smart decisions… and other times, not so much? Well, let me introduce you to the prefrontal cortex, your brain’s personal CEO. Located right behind your forehead, this part of the brain is responsible for handling all the high-level tasks that keep your […]