Most of us carry a bit of childhood with us, whether it’s joyful memories of family holidays or the sting of tough times and unmet needs. When negative experiences from childhood leave a lasting impact, they form what many call the “inner child”—a part of us that holds onto those early memories and feelings. For […]

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, the different types of emotionally immature people, and most importantly, how to […]

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 the emotional gap with physical intimacy—because, hey, sex is easier to […]

We often hear about the savior complex in relationships, but what does it really mean, and how does it impact the people involved? In my work as a therapist in Hermosa Beach, I see this dynamic show up in both individual therapy and couples therapy sessions, and it’s a topic that deserves some real attention. […]

Ah, the fear of being alone—it’s something a lot of us wrestle with. Whether it’s about not having someone to share Netflix nights with or the deeper stuff like fear of rejection or abandonment, the struggle is real. As a therapist in Hermosa Beach, working with both couples and individuals, I’ve seen how this fear […]

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 […]

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 […]