I Have “The Ick” Have you heard that phrase? Maybe in casual passing when asking a friend about a recent date. Maybe on a popular media post or video. Did you have to ask what it meant? Did you google it the first time? As a popular turn of phrase, the definition can change based on who you ask or where you look. Here is our working definition of “The Ick.” The Ick: A sudden […]
“The Ick” Or Intuition? Knowing When to Walk Away Read More »
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
Modern Dating Dilemmas: Ghosting, Breadcrumbing, and “Situationships” Read More »
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
Why A Growth Mindset Matters in Love and Life Read More »
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
ChatGPT vs. Real-Life Therapy: How AI Can Support You (But Not Replace Your Therapist) Read More »
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
Rebuilding Family Bonds After Stress and Trauma: The Power of Family Therapy Read More »
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
Rekindling Love for Empty Nesters: A Guide for Parents Read More »
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,
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
When the “Surprise!” Isn’t What the Mom-to-Be Had in Mind – As Seen In – BoredPanda Read More »
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
Introducing THRIVEWAYS: Find Your Path to Men’s Mental Wellness Read More »
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