Understanding Emotions and How They Shape Our Reality “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 human. […]

Understanding Emotional Reactions, Self-Doubt, and Overthinking Have you ever found yourself spiraling in thought after a conversation, wondering, “Did I say too much?” or “Was I being overly sensitive?” Maybe you’ve even caught yourself thinking, “Am I just being dramatic right now?” If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company. A lot of people wrestle with emotional reactions, self-doubt, and that […]

Why Your Brain Reacts Before You Can Think 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 […]

Activating Calm: How the Parasympathetic Nervous System Supports Emotional Balance 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 […]

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 […]

How to Communicate Effectively? As a couples therapist, who works with clients in person in Hermosa Beach/South Bay and virtually in California, I often witness the profound impact that effective communication can have on relationships. One approach that I find particularly powerful in fostering understanding and connection is Nonviolent Communication (NVC). In this blog, we’ll […]

Listening is the Most Important Communication Skill In relationships, effective communication stands as the cornerstone, and at its heart lies the often overlooked art of listening. As a couples therapist, who works with clients in person in Hermosa Beach and virtually in California, I’ve witnessed how genuine listening can deepen connections, foster understanding, and ultimately […]

Should I Get a Divorce? How to Determine When It’s Time to Move On f you’re finding yourself wondering if you need to get a divorce, there’s clearly a part of your relationship that needs some love. Relationships are nuanced and highly personal, so while I can’t tell you whether or not you need to […]

“I want to love you without clutching, appreciate you without judging, join you without invading, invite you without demanding, leave you without guilt, criticize you without blaming, and help you without insulting. If I can have the same from you, then we can truly meet and enrich each other.” ― Virginia Satir Understanding the dynamics […]