Living on an island asks us for commitment much the same as a marriage or parenthood does - in the absence of the option of "starting again" we are asked to be more honest with ourselves about how we handle discomfort, disconnection, and repair. There’s less room to distract. Less space to bypass. More invitations to pause and actually listen — to ourselves and to the people we love.

Here are the 5 things this couple's therapist wishes that all expectant parents would talk about before the chaos of newborn days and sleepless nights turns your world upside down.

My husband and I on a recent trip to Alaska I first heard of the idea of "fair fighting rules" as a therapist when I was still working with kids. I was going through resources to support the family therapy process and came across a therapist aid handout with the title "Fair Fighting Rules". I read through the rules and it sounded positively idyllic. The trouble was, in my experience, sticking to these rules was next to impossible for people who were emotionally dysregulated a

Resources for Help National Domestic Abuse Hotline: Call 1.800.799.SAFE   (7233) Text ‘START’ to 88788 Hawaii Domestic Violence Action Center (The Organization Helps You Find Local Resources Across Hawaii) California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (The Organization Helps You Find Local Resources Across California) Create a Safety Plan -  https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/ Helping Survivors is an educational resource dedicated t

Insights from a virtual couples therapy provider who serves clients across northern and southern California... Vulnerability can feel like a double-edged sword. It’s essential for deep connection, but it is also straight up terrifying. How do we take the leap to be vulnerable without knowing we are safe - and how do we know we are safe before we take the fall to see if our partner will catch us? Being intentional in our responses to vulnerability is probably one of the most (

The holiday season can bring immense joy and connection, but it can also be a source of stress...

Sometimes we aren't ready to take the plunge to get into couples therapy. Here are 3 alternatives to try to strengthen your relationship.

10 Simple Ideas for Daily Rituals of Connection

Can couples therapy save a relationship? The short answer is.. maybe. Here's how it can help and when it might not be enough...

Here are some strategies to help you disagree without hurting each other...

What is couples therapy really like? An in-depth look from a licensed therapist who specializes in working with couples.

This one shift in thinking will change everything for your relationship...

How to prepare your relationship for your new baby - from my personal perspective as a licensed therapist and as a parent.

It's nearly impossible to be there for someone else when you aren't even there for yourself. You and your relationships deserve better!

Breakups are more than 'hurt feelings', they are significant emotional injuries and they have real effects on our bodies and brains that are incredibly painful! Here are some ways your brain and body are affected by a breakup... Why Breaking Up is So Painful & Tips on How to Heal drop in dopamine and other ‘happy hormones’ of having a partner: neurotypical people are wired to react positively to socialization and to romantic love through chemical reinforcements. less touch me

Let’s clear up some myths and provide some guidance about what healthy conflict can look like (in any type of relationship).