Marriage 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 readingRelationships are the bedrock of our lives, offering love, support, and connection. But what happens when one partner is struggling with depression? It can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—loneliness, fear, frustration, and helplessness. If you or your partner are going through something similar, know that you’re not alone. Many … Read the rest
Continue readingWe’ve all been there—caught in an argument where emotions escalate, and suddenly, the conversation shifts from solving the problem to pointing fingers. “You never listen!” “You always forget!” “This is your fault!” When the focus turns to assigning blame, couples … 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 reading
Relationships are the cornerstone of our emotional well-being, yet they can also be a source of frustration and pain when we feel disconnected from our partners. Emotional disconnect often sneaks up on couples, manifesting as a pattern of one partner over-functioning while the other withdraws. This dynamic can leave … 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 readingHave you ever found yourself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, constantly moving closer to—and then pulling away from—your partner?
If this pattern feels all too familiar, you might be experiencing what’s known as the push-pull dynamic, a complex dance many adults unknowingly engage in. Rooted in unresolved childhood … 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
Continue readingChildhood Isn’t Always a Soft Landing
Childhood is often imagined as a season of softness—sticky fingers, scraped knees, and wide-eyed wonder. But what happens when the story is different? When your nervous system learned to brace instead of trust? When connection was paired with confusion or pain?
If you’re nodding … Read the rest
Continue reading
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 readingSometimes the hardest part of a painful relationship is finding words for what is happening.
You may love your partner and feel afraid of their reactions. You may remember meaningful moments together while also recognizing that you have become quieter, more anxious, or less certain of yourself. Perhaps you find … Read the rest
Continue readingLet’s talk enmeshment!
Many of you may not have encountered this term, yet it might be influential in your life. Knowing what it is and how to navigate it can make a world of difference in your personal growth journey.
For those unfamiliar with it, enmeshment can be … Read the rest
Continue readingSex is a powerful way for two people to bond and feel true intimacy with one another. But what happens when one person in the relationship has less of a sex drive than the other person? Are they destined for relationship doom, or can they meet somewhere in the middle?… Read the rest
Continue readingSo, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them … Read the rest
Continue readingSo, how do you know that you’re dealing with a narcissist? The term is bandied about so often that many are confused about what the term really means. We all believe we know what narcissism looks like, but recognizing narcissistic behavior can be more complicated than it … Read the rest
Continue readingNo matter how independent you may be, it’s still important to build healthy relationships with your immediate and extended family members, friends, and coworkers. Research suggests that when we foster connections with those around us, it can:
Maintaining healthy relationships with extended family members—such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and in-laws—can be tough. According to an article published by YouGov, 46% of Americans don’t have any extended family members living in the same city or town as them. Unfortunately, for many people, this distance … Read the rest
Continue reading
