In 2024, couples therapy isn’t just a service; it’s a science-based lifeline.

And believe me, couples need one when the waters of modern culture are as choppy as they’ve ever been.

I say this with the deepest empathy for the people who walk through my door, seeking connection, understanding, and, let’s be honest, a way to survive the madness that is life in 2024.

On a bitterly cold winter’s night, in the quiet, wooded landscape of Western Massachusetts, Sarah and Tom’s lives were forever changed by a late-night collision with a deer.

The accident left them both with minor physical injuries but significant emotional scars.

Now, two years later, they are sitting in my office, trying to navigate the long-lasting effects of that traumatic night.

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but when it remains unresolved, it can quietly undermine the fabric of a marriage.

The loss of a parent or child is among the most profound experiences one can endure, and its emotional repercussions often extend far beyond the individual, deeply affecting the entire family system.

Within a marital context, unresolved grief can lead to emotional distance, communication breakdowns, and reduced intimacy, ultimately diminishing marital satisfaction.

In this post, we will explore the impact of unresolved parental grief on marital dynamics, drawing on recent research in grief, attachment theory, and marital therapy.

The concept of "love languages" has gained widespread popularity as a tool for understanding how folks express and receive love in relationships.

Originally developed by Dr. Gary Chapman, the idea centers on five primary love languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.

While this framework has proven useful for many couples, it often overlooks the specific nuances of how neurodivergent partners—such as those with ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodiversity—express and interpret love.

Attachment injuries are profound emotional wounds that occur when a partner feels deeply betrayed, abandoned, or hurt by the actions or inactions of the other.

These injuries can significantly undermine the trust and security within a relationship, leading to ongoing pain, emotional distance, and, if left unaddressed, the eventual deterioration of the relationship.

However, with a deep understanding of the underlying issues and a committed effort, couples can work together to repair these injuries and restore their bond.

Intergenerational trauma is a hidden force that shapes the dynamics of intimate relationships in profound ways.

Passed down from one generation to the next, this trauma can manifest in emotional patterns, attachment styles, and behavioral tendencies that affect couples and families today.

As we explore the impact of intergenerational trauma on relationships, we’ll discuss the science of epigenetics, the role of family therapy, and practical approaches to breaking the cycle of trauma, providing couples and families with the tools they need to heal and thrive.

When Sarah discovered that her husband, James, had been unfaithful, her world came crashing down.

The trust she had placed in him seemed irreparably shattered, and the future of their marriage hung in the balance.

Yet, against the odds, they both chose to stay and work through the aftermath. This wasn’t just about surviving the crisis; it was about finding resilience—strengthening their bond and rebuilding their relationship into something stronger than before.

A "happy mood" isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's something that can be cultivated and sustained through intentional practices.

Thanks to advances in neuroscience, we now understand that the brain is remarkably plastic, capable of being rewired to support a more positive outlook on life.

Nowadays, playing mind games with people is often dismissed as harmless or strategic, yet the deeper psychological and ethical implications reveal a more troubling reality.

I guess I blame best-selling author Eric Berne for popularizing such a dismal frame for human discourse.

Is It cruel to play mind games with people?

To truly understand whether engaging in such behavior is cruel, we must consider the motivations behind mind games, their effects on our counterparts, and the broader consequences for relationships.

Erica Komisar’s Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters is a compelling exploration of the crucial role that mothers play in their children’s early development.

Komisar, a psychoanalyst and parent guidance expert, delves into the psychological, emotional, and neurological implications of early maternal presence, making a persuasive and compelling argument for the irreplaceable value of a mother’s presence during the first three years of a child’s life.

Komisar's central thesis is that the first three years of a child’s life are foundational for emotional security, cognitive development, and overall well-being.

The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Somé is not just a book; it is an invitation to step into a worldview that is profoundly different from the Western paradigm.

In 1999, Sobonfu Somé, a respected spiritual teacher from the Dagara tribe of Burkina Faso, offered her readers a rare and profound insight: a glimpse into the deep spiritual traditions of her people, particularly as they relate to intimacy, relationships, and community.

This book is more than a guide; it’s an ambitious challenge to how we understand and experience connection in all its forms.

Parenting: the ultimate crash course in patience, creativity, and learning to appreciate the art of hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace.

We all want to be better parents, but let’s face it, the job doesn't come with a manual—unless you count that one parenting book you skimmed at 2 AM while the baby was teething.

Fortunately, social science research offers some pretty solid advice that can help you upgrade your parenting game.