The Blog

Sexual orientation refers to a person’s physical, emotional, or romantic attraction to others. It is composed of 5 key characteristics including romantic attraction, sexual attraction, sexual identity, sexual arousal and sexual behavior. Gender identity on the other hand, refers to the sense of which sex a person belongs to. It is a non-binary construct meaning […]

Intimacy is a crucial part of many romantic relationships, yet conversations about sex can be among the most difficult to have. When one partner initiates and the other withdraws—either by rejecting advances or shutting down emotionally—it can create a painful cycle of rejection, avoidance, and misunderstanding. In my work with couples, I often hear one […]

Humans are biologically hard-wired to seek out the negative in the world. A phenomenon called the “negativity bias” is an evolutionarily pre-programmed cognitive bias that makes us more attuned to negative stimuli in our environment and more likely to dwell on these events. From an evolutionary standpoint, this bias makes sense. If there was a […]

It was a late Thursday afternoon when Laura sat at her favorite café, staring blankly at her laptop. Her email inbox was overflowing, a testament to her successful career as a marketing executive. Her friends often joked about how she seemed to have everything: the high-powered job, the enviable social life, and the sleek apartment […]

Picture this:  Case 1: “I’m fearful that my partner will leave me because I feel unworthy and unlovable. I constantly need reassurance that he still loves me.” Case 2: “Sometimes I feel suffocated by being in a relationship. I like my independence, and having to make future decisions with someone else’s feelings in mind can […]

With the month of February right around the corner, the ideas of romance, couples, and love take center stage. Some couples embrace it, showing their love for their partner through chocolates, roses, or romantic candle-lit dinners; others dread it, claiming the day to be a construct of Hallmark commercialism. For singles, the day can feel […]

Ditch the January Diet Trap: Building Balanced Health Goals The New Year brings the opportunity for change and a fresh start. Some of the most common resolutions include losing weight, exercising more, or eating healthier. While these goals can be constructive, they can also fall victim to fad diets, wasted money, disordered eating, and yo-yo […]

The wildfires in Los Angeles and nearby areas have uprooted lives, causing immense loss and uncertainty. If you know someone who has had to evacuate or lost their home, you might wonder what to say—or not say—to offer genuine support. Even a simple, heartfelt message like, “I’m here for you in any way you need,” […]

Baby Blues and Winter Blues: The Lesser Publicized Depression Subtypes Major life events are a well-known trigger for depression in many individuals. The winter months can precipitate excessive sadness in some people because of the shorter days, less sunlight, and change in routine. Likewise, the arrival of a baby can bring about more than temporary […]