It usually doesn’t happen all at once.
You stop reaching for each other in the morning. You skip the kiss goodbye. You start talking more about schedules and tasks than anything meaningful. You sit side by side on the couch, but you haven’t actually touched in days.
Somewhere in the … Read the rest
Continue readingWhat happens when your relationship starts to feel like a crowd of three—you, your partner, and their depression?
You’re not imagining it. When your partner has depression, it can start to feel like the relationship is no longer just between two people. The joy that once floated effortlessly between you … Read the rest
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Family dynamics can be incredibly complex, shaped by years of shared experiences, emotions, and unspoken rules. As parents, the instinct to protect our children from pain and step in to fix problems is natural. However, sometimes the most loving thing we can do is set boundaries and let go, … Read the rest
Continue readingsaLet’s be real: relationships aren’t easy.
Even when the love is strong, navigating two nervous systems, two life histories, and two sets of needs? It’s a full-time dance — and sometimes a collision. That’s why I believe every couple (and every individual in a couple) needs to slow down from … Read the rest
You’re not wrong for feeling like you and your partner just… miss each other in conversation. You talk—but don’t feel heard. You listen—but somehow still feel miles apart. Over time, what started as small misfires can solidify into stuck patterns: avoidance, defensiveness, reactivity, or silent distance.
Communication in relationships … Read the rest
Continue readingInfidelity isn’t just a break in the relationship—it’s a break in reality.
If you’ve been betrayed by someone you loved and trusted most, you know this already. It doesn’t just hurt—it disorients. The floor drops out from under you, and suddenly, nothing feels safe. The rules you believed in, … Read the rest
If you’ve ever watched a child crumble after getting a 94%, refuse to raise their hand unless they’re 100% sure of the answer, or panic when their drawing doesn’t match what they imagined—it’s not just high standards. You’re witnessing the intersection of perfectionism and anxiety in kids.
What looks like … Read the rest
Continue readingMarriage can be a beautiful place of growth—but when you’re caught in the same fight over and over, it can feel more like emotional Groundhog Day.
If you’ve ever thought, “Didn’t we already have this fight… yesterday?”—you’re not alone. So many couples find themselves trapped in a looping conflict, … Read the rest
Understanding conflict-avoidant dishonesty, nervous system survival, and the slow path back to truth
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to upset you.”
“It wasn’t a big deal—I didn’t think I needed to say anything.”
“I just didn’t want to fight.”
These are some of the most common forms … Read the rest
Continue readingby Katherine Jewett, LMFT
Ever catch yourself in a power struggle with a pint-sized human and think, “Who is this control freak, and why does she look suspiciously like me?” If so, congratulations—you’re officially human! And believe it or not, the culprit behind your mini meltdowns over mismatched socks and … Read the rest
Continue readingby Katherine Jewett, LMFT
Gaslighting is a subtle yet deeply damaging form of emotional manipulation that can make you question your own thoughts, feelings, and even reality. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your memories, wondering if you’re “too sensitive,” or feeling like you’re always the one to blame, you … Read the rest
Continue readingConflict is an inevitable part of any marriage. Two people, each with their own needs, values, and perspectives, are bound to disagree at times. While it may seem easier to avoid conflict and “keep the peace,” doing so can come with hidden costs that gradually erode the foundation of a … Read the rest
Continue readingIn our fast-paced world, where stressors seem to come from every direction, it’s no wonder many of us find ourselves slipping into fight-flight mode, especially in our closest relationships. These moments of heightened tension can often lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and emotional disconnection. But what if there was a way … Read the rest
Continue readingIn a world that often moves too fast, where digital pings outnumber real moments of presence, the simple act of touch can feel like a lost language. But your body still remembers. The nervous system doesn’t forget what it’s like to be held, to be comforted, to feel safe in … Read the rest
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In our fast-paced society, we often hear about the importance of self-regulation — the ability to manage our own emotions and behaviors. While self-regulation remains crucial, there’s another concept that’s equally vital yet often overlooked: co-regulation. Co-regulation is how we … Read the rest
Continue readingWhen you build a fire, whether to warm your home or to add a bit of ambience on a cold, winter’s night, you know you’ve got to tend to the fire to keep it going. Relationships are no different. They, too, begin with that initial spark, but you both have … Read the rest
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