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Modern Dating Dilemmas: Ghosting, Breadcrumbing, and “Situationships”

General, Relationship, Self-Esteem /

Have you ever considered the similarities between dating and fashion? Similar to fashion, dating has trends that come and go with the seasons and fan based popularity. Do you remember a time when people used terms such as “courting,” “going steady,” and “getting pinned” when referring to dating and romantic partners? Do you remember when using these terms stopped? Similar to fashion trends, these terms were popular for a period of time and then seemed […]

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Couple growing together

Why A Growth Mindset Matters in Love and Life

Growth, Relationship /

Introduction: Why Mindset Matters in Relationships If you’re in a partnered relationship, chances are you’ve experienced the highs of deep connection as well as the lows of conflict, disconnection, or even feeling stuck. What separates couples who thrive from those who get trapped in cycles of misunderstanding and resentment? One often overlooked factor is mindset. Carol Dweck’s pioneering research on growth versus static (often called “fixed”) mindset offers a powerful lens for understanding not only

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ChatGPT vs. Real-Life Therapy: How AI Can Support You (But Not Replace Your Therapist)

Couples Counseling, General, Thoughts /

A client recently sat down in my office in San Diego and said, “I had a long talk with ChatGPT last night.” She explained that she’d asked it for advice on her relationship and even told it to “give it to her straight, not in the soft mode.” She laughed as she said it helped her feel seen in the moment—but she didn’t want to replace therapy. What she wanted was more tools she could

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Rebuilding Family Bonds After Stress and Trauma: The Power of Family Therapy

Family Therapy, Parenting, Relationship /

This piece was written by our amazing therapist, Katrina Lopez, LMFT.  The Impact of Stressful Events On Us and Our Relationships: The world in which we live is never short of events that impact our well-being, whether that is through changes in our financial means, feeling emotionally and physically unsafe in society, going through life transitions with little or no support, or just typical everyday stressors. All of these things impact our mental health and

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Separation and Divorce Counseling

Rekindling Love for Empty Nesters: A Guide for Parents

Aging, Parenting, Relationship /

Rekindling Love for Empty Nesters: A Guide for Parents Introduction: The New Season No One Warns You About For couples over 50, becoming empty nesters can feel like standing in a quiet house with a loud silence. The last child heads off to college, and suddenly, it’s just the two of you again. No carpools. No sports schedules. No college applications. Just space, quiet—and a partner who might feel more like a roommate than a

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Small Group, Big Change: How a Weekly Men’s Group Can Transform Your Mental Health, Relationships, and Life

Men's Mental Health /

Introduction: What Happens When Men Stop Going It Alone You don’t have to carry it all by yourself. That sounds simple—but for many men, it’s revolutionary. When was the last time you spoke openly about what really matters—your stress, your relationships, your energy, your sense of self—with a group of other men who genuinely listened and supported you? Most of us haven’t had that space since childhood, if ever. And yet, the need for connection,

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When the “Surprise!” Isn’t What the Mom-to-Be Had in Mind – As Seen In – BoredPanda

As Seen In /

In a recent Reddit thread featured by Bored Panda, a soon-to-be mom shared a frustrating twist: her mother arranged a gender reveal party without inviting her or honoring her preferences. The mom went so far as to steal the pregnancy announcement and declare, “That’s right, we’re having a girl!”to everyone else. What the Experts Say Jeffrey Young, MA, LMFT, adds that these incidents often reflect deeper family dynamics. A parent imposing their celebration may be seeking

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Introducing THRIVEWAYS: Find Your Path to Men’s Mental Wellness

Men's Mental Health /

Men’s Mental Wellness: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever In recent years, the importance of mental health has taken center stage, yet men’s mental health often remains in the shadows due to persistent stigmas and societal expectations. The reality is undeniable: men face significant mental health challenges that, if left unaddressed, can lead to devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. These same challenges represent a landmark opportunity for personal growth and thriving. Statistics

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Is dating someone with less money ‘a nightmare’ for couples? – As Seen In – Business Insider

As Seen In /

Income disparities can have a negative impact on romantic relationships, especially around power dynamics. In an article by Amanda Goh for Business Insider, Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT, Gottman-trained relationship therapist and our founder, explains how differences in wealth and income can foster resentment and an unhealthy dependence. Whose contributions are more valuable? Income disparity can impact romantic relationships, particularly around power dynamics. For instance, it could be an issue when one person sees their

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impact of san diego's cost of living on relationships

Is San Diego’s Cost of Living Hurting Your Relationship?

Relationship /

San Diego is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, but with its stunning coastline and vibrant city life comes a high cost of living. For couples, financial stress can create tension, impact emotional well-being, and test the strength of a relationship. Understanding the impact of San Diego’s cost of living on relationships and learning strategies to manage financial stress together can help couples navigate these challenges and build a

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