Wouldn’t it be easier to date smarter if all jerks (men and women included) had to wear a “scarlet letter J” on their chest? I chuckle as I say this to myself, as if that would take the fear completely out of dating. However, it would be a start to … Read More
Domestic Violence Exposure and the Impact on Children- Part 1
Children are resilient, right? Many times, parents, caregivers, and even professionals can promote protective factors of resiliency within our children. Although resiliency is a trait not to be undermined, domestic violence is a traumatic event that has harmful, lasting impacts on children. There are a number of ways domestic violence … Read More
Four Questions You Should Answer Before Leaving Your Marriage
Making a decision to leave your marriage is probably the most painful and difficult time in one’s life. Question after question can consume your thoughts before you leave your marriage: Will I be ok? Will my children be ok? What will others think? Much of the time, each partner is … Read More
The Crisis of Desire
Many couples I see frequently face the dilemma of how to sustain a fulfilling sex life over the course of their long-term relationship. In her TED Talk, Esther Perel talks about the crisis of desire in modern love in such an insightful way. She carefully differentiates the difference between love … Read More
Relationship-Contingent Self-Esteem
The use of social media is not only popular among individuals to share fun-loving, intimate moments of their lives, but it’s popular among couples as well. Are you in a relationship and frequently share couple photos and reveal intimate feelings about the love you have for each other? New research … Read More
Confessions of Empty Nesters
The empty nester time is approaching and your little “chick” is leaving the nest. I’m sure you’ve heard rumors about how you would feel or better yet how you should feel during this time and what your confessions will be. There definitely seems to be politically correct versions of confessions of your … Read More
Does Your Marriage Feel Like a Long Distance Relationship?
Most couples expect that marriage will guarantee increased physical and emotional closeness in their relationship. I don’t believe this is a far-fetched assumption. Marriage provides a shared home, children, interests, and activities. Many of my couples are reporting distress due to the unanticipated physical and emotional distance they are experiencing … Read More
How Counselors Can be Helpful to Your Clients
The divorce process for many is very complex. It consists of many different aspects including legal, financial and mental health that can be difficult to navigate. The divorce process can leave individuals bitter, depressed, and scarred. Professionals are often frustrated and overwhelmed because they feel alone in the process. At … Read More
Leaking is a Toxic Behavior Parents should Avoid: Part 2
As I stated in part 1 of this blog, leaking can have a negative impact on your children’s mental and emotional health. As parents experience the pain, anger, confusion and grief that typically accompany a divorce, children are also experiencing many of those same emotions. Divorce can increase a child’s … Read More
Leaking is a Toxic Behavior Parents should Avoid: Part 1
What is leaking? Leaking is a term coined by Dr. Patricia Papernow, step-family and post-divorce expert, which describes what parents do and say to blame and/or undermine the other parent in the presence of their children. In my practice, I hear examples of leaking from many parents contemplating a divorce. … Read More