Learn How to Navigate Relationship Conflict Conflict in relationships is unavoidable—and honestly, that’s not a bad thing. Whether you’re married, dating, living together, or committed from a distance, disagreements are a sign that you care, that something matters, and that you’re still engaging with one another. The goal isn’t to avoid conflict altogether (good luck […]

Navigating Relationship Patterns: How to Break Unhealthy Cycles and Build Stronger Connections So, you’re in a relationship—awesome! But if you’re like most couples, at some point, you’ve probably found yourself caught in a weird back-and-forth dynamic. You want to connect, but your partner is off in the other room. Or maybe you’re the one avoiding […]

How to Handle Emotionally Immature People: Types and Strategies for Healthier Interactions Emotional immaturity can manifest in various ways, making relationships challenging and draining. From the narcissist to the victim, emotionally immature individuals can exhibit toxic behaviors that can be detrimental to your well-being. In this blog, we will explore the signs of emotional immaturity, […]

When Sex Becomes a Shield: How Avoiding Emotional Intimacy Impacts Relationships Emotional intimacy is the glue that keeps relationships solid, but honestly, it can feel like a total mystery sometimes. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just getting started, it’s common to hit roadblocks when trying to connect emotionally. Some folks even try to fill […]

Understanding Communication Styles: How to Improve Connection Through Better Communication 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 […]

Why Did You Play That Role? Understanding Your Family Dynamics and Their Impact on You 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 […]

Why is Anger the Most Acceptable Male Emotion and How to Break Free from Societal Expectations 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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]