Mon-Fri 9-8 | Sat-Sun 9-5

(619) 535-8890
trauma bonding in relationships

6 Signs Of Trauma Bonding In Relationships and How To Break The Cycle

Abuse/Neglect /

Have you ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to a relationship that seems to hurt more than it heals, yet the thought of leaving feels impossible? You’re most likely experiencing the confusing and often misunderstood phenomenon of trauma bonding in relationships. It’s a bond formed not out of affection but through repeated cycles of abuse, manipulation, and a desperate need for validation. If you’re constantly justifying your partner’s harmful behavior or find yourself trapped in a …

6 Signs Of Trauma Bonding In Relationships and How To Break The Cycle Read More »

marriage after retirement

Marriage After Retirement: How To Adjust To New Roles and Routines

Aging /

When you think about retirement, you most probably envision a serene chapter of life filled with unhurried mornings and the freedom to explore new passions. But what’s often overlooked is how this monumental change impacts marriage after retirement. If you or your partner had full-time careers, you will suddenly need to adjust to no longer structuring your day around work and spending more time in the house with your spouse. While this shift can be …

Marriage After Retirement: How To Adjust To New Roles and Routines Read More »

how to resolve conflicts in marriage, gottman repair attempts

Gottman’s Wisdom: 6 Powerful Statements To Resolve Conflicts In Marriage

Relationship /

Marriages aren’t just about sunset walks and shared desserts; they’re also about the silent standoffs over unwashed dishes and whose turn it is to pick up the kids. Ask any relationship therapist, and they will tell you that conflict is as much a part of marriage as romance, but it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. How you handle these squabbles can either cement your bond or chisel away at its foundation, leading to divorce. Imagine …

Gottman’s Wisdom: 6 Powerful Statements To Resolve Conflicts In Marriage Read More »

verbal abuse patterns to watch out for

5 Verbal Abuse Patterns You Should Never Ignore In A Partner

Abuse/Neglect /

Verbal abuse is more than just harsh words hurled in the heat of an argument. It’s a calculated effort to demean, frighten, and control another person. Over time, it eats away at a person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being, often with the potential to escalate into physical abuse, domestic violence, or child abuse. If you find yourself on the receiving end of verbal abuse, know you’re not to blame. Awareness of verbal abuse patterns is the …

5 Verbal Abuse Patterns You Should Never Ignore In A Partner Read More »

money conversations for couples, happy lesbian couple

13 Money Conversations Couples Should Have Before Marriage

Relationship /

As two people in love, you most likely have already shared secrets, dreams, fears, and even your favorite dessert and movie genres. But have you thought about the money conversations you should have before marriage? As you stand on the brink of a lifetime commitment, remember that marriage intertwines not just two souls but also two financial narratives. While love will be the backbone of your union, a clear understanding of fiscal matters acts as …

13 Money Conversations Couples Should Have Before Marriage Read More »

signs of emotional cheating

Recognizing The Signs Of Emotional Cheating and How To Respond To Them

Relationship /

You’ve been there — late-night texts, lingering hugs, or intense conversations that make your heart race with that “just a friend” person. You tell yourself it’s just a friendship, but somewhere deep down, a nagging feeling suggests otherwise. In a digital age where it’s easy to reconnect or catch up with old friends, things can escalate quickly, making it difficult to differentiate between a close bond and emotional infidelity. You may wonder, are those secret smiles …

Recognizing The Signs Of Emotional Cheating and How To Respond To Them Read More »

signs of parental burnout and how to cope, parents stressed with children

What Is Parental Burnout And What Can You Do About It

Parenting /

You woke up this morning with the weight of a thousand “to-do’s” pressing down on your chest. Maybe it was the third night in a row your toddler decided 3 AM was party time, or perhaps it was the overwhelming feeling of never ticking enough boxes off that ever-expanding checklist. Parenting is an incredible and rewarding journey — filled with moments of pure joy, laughter, and love. But sometimes, it can also make you feel …

What Is Parental Burnout And What Can You Do About It Read More »

are co narcsissist

Are You A Co-Narcissist? 5 Signs You Might Be One

Narcissist /

Ever feel like you’re constantly trying to please your partner but never quite measuring up? Do you find yourself always working to keep your partner happy while ignoring your own needs and desires just to maintain the peace? If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, there’s a big chance you’ve unknowingly taken on the role of a co-narcissist. This role often comes from a desire for stability, sacrifice, and sometimes fear. However, it can …

Are You A Co-Narcissist? 5 Signs You Might Be One Read More »

love mapping

Love Mapping Is the Secret to Saving Your Marriage – As Seen In – Pure Wow

As Seen In /

Love maps, according to psychologist and relationship expert Dr. John M. Gottman, are outlines of everything you know about your partner: hobbies, dreams, frustrations, and everything there is to know about them. Gottman says that couples with detailed love maps are most likely to enjoy marital closeness and satisfaction. In an article by Pure Wow, The Relationship Place Founder, Dr. Dana McNeil, also a Gottman-trained Relationship Therapist, shared her expert insights on it. She laid …

Love Mapping Is the Secret to Saving Your Marriage – As Seen In – Pure Wow Read More »

dating someone with depression

6 Important Things To Know When Dating Someone With Depression

Depression /

The ups and downs of relationships get us through different phases, like the euphoria of shared happiness, and the strain of challenges. But loving someone with depression introduces a unique layer of complexity, and might change your familiarity with relationships. To some, it might feel like walking on eggshells, and each step calls for an even greater degree of understanding and compassion than before. Navigating such terrain can be both enlightening and daunting. So, how …

6 Important Things To Know When Dating Someone With Depression Read More »

Scroll to Top