Twice-exceptional (2e) children are a remarkable and intriguing group, embodying a blend of high intellectual abilities and unique learning challenges.

These young folks possess extraordinary talents in areas such as mathematics, science, the arts, or creative thinking, yet they also navigate the complexities of learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental hurdles.

The term "twice-exceptional" highlights this duality, where exceptional gifts coexist with significant challenges. Imagine a superhero with a brilliant mind who occasionally stumbles over daily tasks—this paradoxical combination can make their educational and social experiences both fascinating and frustrating.

Parenting can feel like a game of whack-a-mole: just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, another challenge pops up.

One question that might have you pondering during those sleepless nights is, “Is my child neurodivergent?”

It runs in families… just sayin’.

As a family therapist interested in science and human behavior, I'm here to help you navigate this complex question.

So you’re scrolling through Instagram, seeing one perfect relationship post after another.

Happy couples on exotic vacations, surprise gifts, candle-lit dinners.

It’s enough to make anyone wonder if their own relationship measures up.

But what if I told you that these high expectations, fueled by social media and Hollywood fantasies, might be setting us up for disappointment?

When most long-term couples think about affection, they often picture either a quick peck on the cheek or a full-on romantic encounter.

But as I often remind couples, falling into the trap of equating sex solely with intercourse can limit your potential for both affection and intimacy.

According to sex therapists Barry McCarthy and E. McCarthy in their book "Enhancing Couple Sexuality," this mindset leads to lower levels of both affection and intercourse.

To avoid this trap, let’s consider how you and your partner discover and communicate about the various types of touch you each enjoy.

Spoiler alert: there’s a whole spectrum of touch to explore.

Recent research highlights the significant risks associated with hostile parenting, revealing that this approach can increase the likelihood of mental health issues by 150%.

This study, involving over 7,000 children, underscores the need for supportive, consistent, and warm parenting practices.

Let's also explore the philosophical implications of this research and why psychological hostility can be as detrimental as physical hostility.

Therapists often witness the deep longing people have for connection.

It's a paradox of our time: despite the myriad ways we can communicate, many of us feel more isolated than ever.

This paradox extends to our friendships, where people are often hesitant to revive old connections, despite the clear benefits of doing so.

A recent study by Dr. Gillian Sandstrom and Professor Lara Aknin sheds light on why this is the case and offers some insights into how we might overcome these barriers.

Let’s discuss the essential skills of Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), has proven to be an effective antidote to the emotional dysregulation and interpersonal chaos often associated with BPD.

But don't let the clinical jargon scare you off—DBT skills are essentially life skills that can help anyone navigate the choppy waters of their emotional life with greater ease and grace.

Imagine having a toolkit to help you stay calm during a heated argument, communicate your needs without escalating tensions, and even find inner peace amidst life's inevitable ups and downs.

Sounds like magic, right? Well, it’s not magic, but it is incredibly effective.

As a couples therapist, I've occassionally encountered folks who struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in a way that doesn't fit the classic, more observable symptoms.

This subtler presentation is known as "quiet borderline" personality. Unlike their more overt counterparts, those with quiet BPD direct their intense emotions inward rather than outward, making their struggles less visible but equally challenging.

"What is a CSA survivor?" This crucial question addresses the experiences of folks who endured Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) and its profound impact on their adult lives, especially within intimate relationships.

I've seen firsthand the complexities and challenges that CSA survivors face in their romantic partnerships.

This blog post considers the long-lasting effects of CSA, how these issues manifest in couples therapy, and strategies for fostering healing and intimacy.

Navigating the narcissistic landscape is like stepping into a surreal circus, where the ringmaster isn't just wearing a top hat but wielding a psychological whip of manipulation and control.

Today, we're diving into the curious and confounding realms of "triangulation and flying monkeys," two terms that sound straight out of a whimsical fairy tale but are, unfortunately, all too real in the landscape of narcissistic abuse.

Intimacy in 2024. In an era when our phones are smarter than we are and our fridges have Wi-Fi, one might think we've mastered the art of connection.

Alas, no.

I've seen that despite (or perhaps because of) all our technological advances, intimacy remains a delicate dance that many stumble through like toddlers at their first ballet recital.

Here’s my 2 cents on the obstacles to intimacy in 2024.

Clarice Babson (not her real name), a dynamic 27-year-old art director, recently found herself entangled in a complex emotional web after a workplace affair with her co-worker, Davida.

Her husband, Barry, a neurodiverse veterinarian with an anxiety disorder, is grappling with the aftermath of this revelation.

As they navigate the intricacies of their relationship, they are also exploring the possibilities of an open marriage and the unique challenges neurodiversity poses.

This transcript of a repair dialogue sheds light on their journey towards healing, interspersed with my commentary on their discussion on bisexuality, open marriage, and neurodiversity.