What Are Emotional Affairs?

An Emotional Affair is more than just a close friendship; it involves a deep emotional connection that crosses the boundaries of a platonic relationship.

These affairs often begin innocently but can escalate into something significantly impacting a primary relationship.

Emotional affairs are a common issue addressed in intensive couples therapy retreats.

How do Emotional Affairs begin?

Weekly in-person couples therapy may be fading in popularity.

Let’s face it.

Couples have more stuff to do than they have time to do it in.

Recent research shows that couples are experiencing significant stress and attempting to find time to do anything else that matters to them. Here’s what to do instead…

Positive thinking is often touted as the key to happiness and well-being.

However, recent research suggests that attempting to "think positive" can actually worsen the emotional state of some people, especially those prone to worry.

As a couples therapist, I've seen how this paradoxical effect can play out in relationships, and understanding the nuances of positive thinking is crucial for effective therapy. Let’s jump in!

The pursuit of happiness is a universal endeavor, but can it be taught?

According to a groundbreaking study, the answer is a resounding yes, provided you keep practicing the strategies learned.

Did you know that singing in a choir for just one hour can significantly improve your mood, reduce stress, and even enhance your immune system?

According to a study, this uplifting activity offers numerous psychological and physical health benefits, particularly for those affected by cancer.

As a couples therapist, I've seen firsthand how stress can permeate every aspect of our lives, affecting not only our relationships but also our physical appearance.

Among the various types of stress, financial stress seems to take the greatest toll on our looks.

A compelling study led by Professor Margie Lachman sheds light on this issue, revealing that financial stress accelerates the aging process more than any other type of stress.

Relationship anxiety is an ongoing fear that your relationship has hidden deficits that require immediate attention.

Symptoms of relationship anxiety include picking fights, turning away, and constantly testing boundaries... sound familiar? This one is for you.

Here are 15 powerful questions to ask before you consider any change in your relationship.

These questions can encourage deep and intimate conversations that may clarify and reassure you about the decisions you will make about and with your life partner.

For a relationship to be balanced, partners must be able to depend on one another and feel that they are needed and appreciated for the support they give.

Trying to find change in marriage by only focusing on changing your partner can prevent you from influencing each other and achieving a deeper intimacy. Let’s jump in!

Ever feel like you’re banging your head against a wall trying to change your partner's annoying habits?

Breaking 2024 research tells us that many popular methods for changing behavior don’t work as well as we'd like.

But don't lose hope just yet—science has some answers!

Ever wondered why a glass of wine makes you feel like a relaxed philosopher, while a shot of tequila transforms you into a party animal?

A recent survey sheds light on how different types of alcohol can stir up distinct emotions, revealing the quirky relationship between our drink choices and our feelings.

As a family therapist, it's fascinating to explore how the dreams of our ancient ancestors may relate to the anxiety disorders we see today.

In hunter-gatherer societies, which still mirror the lifestyles of our early human ancestors, dreams play a crucial role in coping with threats and anxieties.

Recent cross-cultural research delves into the function of dreams among hunter-gatherer societies, suggesting that dreams help prepare us for anxiety-provoking situations in waking life. These are known as ‘simulation theories.’