In the field of couples therapy, resilience is often the cornerstone of a thriving relationship. It’s the ability to navigate conflicts, adapt to changes, and support one another through life’s inevitable challenges.

Recent research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has illuminated a fascinating and previously underexplored aspect of resilience: the gut-brain connection.

This emerging body of research suggests that our gut health not only influences our physical well-being but also plays a critical role in our psychological resilience—a key factor in the success and longevity of relationships.

The article “Symbiosexuality: New Study Validates Attraction to Established Couples as a Real Phenomenon” by Eric W. Dolan presents the findings of a study conducted by Sally W. Johnston, which explores a concept referred to as “symbiosexuality.”

The study proposes that some folks experience attraction not just to individuals, but to the dynamic energy between people in a relationship.

While the research claims to break new ground in understanding human desire, a closer examination reveals several weaknesses in its conceptual framework, methodology, and broader implications.

Divorce is rarely straightforward, but when it involves a covert narcissist, the emotional fallout can be especially disorienting.

Covert narcissists are adept at subtle manipulation, often leaving their partners questioning their own reality long after the relationship has ended.

In this post, we explore a fictional therapy journey with John, a husband who was abruptly discarded by his covert narcissist wife, Emily.

Through their sessions, we’ll uncover the unspoken apologies John craves but will likely never receive, and how understanding this reality can aid in his healing process.

The question of whether a family member deserves to know the truth about a terminal prognosis, especially when the remaining time is expected to be of low quality, presents a profound ethical and emotional dilemma.

This issue is particularly complex within the context of couples therapy, where the relational dynamics between partners can deeply influence the decision to disclose or withhold such information.

The debate over bed-sharing with infants is as old as parenting itself. Should you let your baby sleep in your bed, or is it better to keep them in their crib?

Concerns range from safety issues like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) to fears about long-term emotional and behavioral problems.

But what does the research actually say? Is bed-sharing a nurturing practice, or are you setting your baby up for emotional turmoil?

Let’s explore the science behind bed-sharing and its impact on your child’s development.

Ever wondered what makes some kids the talk of the playground while others blend into the background?

Is it their trendy sneakers, impressive jungle gym skills, or perhaps their uncanny ability to memorize every dinosaur name?

According to recent research, the real magic ingredient is much simpler and way more enjoyable—being fun!

In the digital age, the accessibility of pornography has skyrocketed, making it essential for mental health professionals to understand its potential impact on individuals and relationships.

While some people use pornography without adverse effects, others may develop problematic patterns that can disrupt their daily lives, relationships, and mental health.

To help identify when pornography consumption becomes problematic, researchers have developed the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS).

Memes are more than just amusing internet phenomena; they are cultural artifacts that capture shared human experiences in powerful, relatable ways.

One meme that is emerging but still remains largely under the radar is “the invisible burden.”

This meme poignantly encapsulates the unspoken emotional and mental load carried by many family members, particularly primary caregivers.

This burden is often a significant source of family anxiety, and understanding its roots and implications is crucial for addressing the mental health challenges it creates.

In this post, we will explore how the invisible burden has become such a pervasive issue, discuss its historical and social origins, and consider how we might begin to alleviate this silent weight.

As a family therapist, I observe the impact of this boredom-driven behavior in relationships and communities.

The rise of boredom in the digital age has far-reaching consequences, from interpersonal conflicts to broader societal issues, such as the appeal of populism and radical ideologies.

Understanding the role of boredom is crucial in addressing these challenges and helping individuals find more fulfilling and meaningful ways to engage with the world around them.

Cuffing Season. That magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the days get shorter, and suddenly everyone’s on the hunt for someone to share a blanket—and maybe a Netflix password—with.

If you’ve noticed that your inbox starts buzzing with “Hey, stranger…” texts as soon as the leaves begin to fall, congratulations—you’ve officially entered cuffing season.

While the memes about cuffing season might make you chuckle, a lot is happening behind the scenes. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, and let’s dive into what makes cuffing season such a big deal.

Ah, the irony. The tricky thing about the desire for self-control is that it tends to arrive at the worst possible moment, like a surprise bill after a splurge or the sudden realization that you might need a gym membership while struggling to lift your grocery bags.

Research shows that our thirst for self-control peaks precisely when our reserves are at rock bottom. So, just when you need to channel your inner zen master, your self-control is off somewhere taking a nap.

The conversation around hookup culture, particularly in the context of feminism, has dominated discussions on modern relationships.

But could we be on the cusp of a cultural shift that sees a new prude ethos emerging, one that challenges the casual sexual norms of today?

As a couples therapist, this possibility isn't just intriguing—it's essential to understand the changing dynamics that could reshape how intimacy and commitment are approached in the coming years.