Breakups are universally painful experiences that affect us emotionally, mentally, and even physically. While most people understand the emotional toll of heartache, fewer recognize that breakups can trigger biological responses in the body and brain. Our physical and emotional systems are deeply interconnected, meaning that a breakup can impact our brains and bodies on hormonal and cellular levels. Gaining a better understanding of how breakups impact us biologically can help us to better understand our pain and even assuage common feelings of desperation, isolation, and shame. Here’s a breakdown of the biological processes at play during and after a breakup:

In today’s interconnected world, multicultural relationships are becoming increasingly common. Couples from diverse backgrounds bring a wealth of traditions, values, and experiences to their relationships. This diversity can be a source of strength, fostering creativity and understanding as partners learn from one another. However, these relationships can also come with unique challenges. Drawing from my personal experiences and professional insights, here are some thoughts on how couples can navigate the complexities of cultural differences.

Dating apps offer convenience and access to a broader pool of potential partners, but they also bring about frustrations and emotional challenges. When using online dating apps you may feel that the formula used on these platforms withhold certain profiles from view and prioritizes looks over compatibility, which may cause you to feel at the mercy of these mysterious algorithms. While dating app algorithms are designed to help users find matches, they are also built to keep users engaged and ultimately, to generate revenue. As a result, these algorithms may encourage behaviors that align with the app’s business model, such as spending money on premium features or staying on the app longer. By understanding how these algorithms work, you can adjust your approach and potentially get better (and possibly more compatible) matches. Here’s how you can use an understanding of dating app algorithms to get different results.

In the journey of relationships, there are moments when couples find themselves standing at a crossroads. They may be unsure whether to work on their issues or to part ways. This uncertainty can be deeply distressing, and traditional couples therapy may not always be the best fit for addressing such pivotal questions. Enter Discernment Counseling—a specialized approach designed to help couples navigate these crucial junctures with clarity and intention.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health treatments, the combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy represents a promising and innovative approach. Utilizing these treatments in tandem emphasizes the strengths of both modalities, offering a unique pathway for healing trauma, depression, anxiety, existential dread, and other mental health challenges.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in daily routines and distractions, losing sight of what truly matters to us. Understanding and connecting with our core values can be a powerful way to navigate life’s challenges and make meaningful choices.

In the wise words of relationship expert Esther Perel, "You may be right, but are you wise?" This poignant question challenges us to reconsider our priorities during conflicts with our partners. Too often in relationships, the thrill of "winning" an argument can overshadow the deeper, more meaningful goals like understanding, connection, and mutual respect.

As the first day of fall arrives there is joy in the crispness of the air, the leaves changing, and pumpkin spice everything being back on the menu. But for many it also means that their seasonal depression may come back any day now. This condition affects millions of individuals worldwide, typically striking during the fall and winter months due less sunlight and colder temperatures. For some, even the joyful sights and smells of the fall and holidays triggers feelings on fatigue, sadness, and numbness. Pair that with the stress of the holidays and it can be a recipe for several miserable months ahead. However, there are steps you can take to prevent seasonal depression and put your mind at ease about your state of mind over the next few months. Below are a few tips to proactively prevent yourself from falling into the winter blues.

Do you feel like nothing you do ever enough to satisfy your partner? You are intentional and put exerted effort into pleasing and making your partner feel loved, only to feel like the goal post keeps moving. You are not alone in feeling this way and it is not an impossible issue to navigate. This is a common dynamic when one person in the relationship has an anxious attachment style. An anxiously attached partner may struggle with feeling secure in the relationship, leading to the internal belief that "I’m not good enough." If you find yourself loving someone with this attachment style, understanding their needs and learning how to navigate their emotional landscape will help both of you feel more connected and secure.

If you are aware of attachment styles you may have noticed the person you are dating has some avoidant attachment tendencies. Don’t worry, many people have avoidant or anxious attachment styles, and they are more likely to be single, so you will often run into them in the dating pool. Navigating the world of romantic relationships can be challenging, especially when dealing with different attachment styles. However, armed with understanding and self-awareness, it's entirely possible to build a healthy and fulfilling relationship with someone who has an avoidant attachment style. Below you will hear tips from our expert relationship therapists to help you navigate the journey of dating someone with an avoidant attachment style.

t’s that time of year where everything we see on social media is “Best Valentine Date Ideas" and “12 Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Your Partner.” However, when you are single these can feel like a judgement from everybody in the world reminding you that you are alone on this holiday and everyone else is not. And then there are people telling you to celebrate your singleness and sharing how blissfully happy a single life can be. It’s okay to not be over the moon in love or thriving in “hot girl summer” or “BDE” culture. It’s okay to be single and not happy about it.

When you get engaged, it’s easy to get lost in the details of the wedding. Should we really invite that long distance cousin that we haven’t seen in years? Is the photographer worth that much money? But those are only questions you should be asking for the wedding, not for the marriage. Here are five things we recommend you do before you get married to prepare for a healthy and fulfilling relationship with your partner.