Finding a job–especially that first “real job” out of medical training–is stressful and exciting all at the same time. You’ve both sacrificed for so many years and are anxious to have the hard times come to an end. For many physician couples, the task of finding that golden goose “package deal” is filled with anxiety. It is…
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Couples are often unaware of how incredibly attuned we are to each other’s non-verbal cues–and of how powerfully those cues impact our sense of security in our relationships. I saw this scenario play out recently with a couple in my office. Tim was trying to explain how he felt like a huge disappointment to Pam. “It’s just,”…
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Coreen Roebuck* had just moved for her husband’s residency when she woke up realizing she was going to lose their baby. At 13 weeks pregnant, she knew there was no other reason for her cramping and bleeding. “I was so scared,” she told me at our first session. *Disclaimer: As with all stories I…
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Holidays can be an especially hard time for couples, because each holiday inherently comes with its own expectations. One of the challenges everyone faces in their relationships is how to deal with the discrepancy between expectation and reality. When you expect something to go one way (having a quiet holiday dinner at home with your family)and the…
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One of the most prevalent fears in relationships is the fear of disconnection, where individuals are deeply afraid of not feeling valued, important, or capable of meeting expectations. This fear can significantly impact how we perceive ourselves and our relationships. These overwhelming fears of disconnection and inadequacy are not limited to intense arguments alone. These…
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I spent yesterday evening in the emergency room with my four-year-old son. Four kids, and I have never had to make an ER visit before. I realized that one of the reasons we have never been to the ED is because I have had access to medical opinions and knowledge at home. Whenever something about…
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The fear of parallel living, of growing apart and becoming mere roommates, is a sentiment that many couples can relate to. It’s a fear born out of the realization that maintaining a deep and meaningful connection in marriage requires effort and intentionality. In a world where disconnection is often seen as inevitable, it can be…
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When couples start exploring the option of therapy, they are often unaware of the different approaches therapists may use to help them. It’s important to understand that not all couples therapy is created equal. You are looking for deep and lasting change that will help you feel safe and secure in your relationship again. It…
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“Boundaries” are one of those terms that is thrown around a lot, yet many people are not really clear on what they are or how to set them. Many people think boundaries harm relationships or are only for people who need to regulate dysfunctional relationships.
Marriage therapy, like any form of therapy, may not be an appropriate option in certain situations. While it can be highly beneficial for many couples, there are some instances where it may not be the best course of action. This is specifically true for intensive couples therapy. Here are a few situations where marriage therapy…
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Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of therapy and is crucial for the client to feel safe in therapy and trust the therapist with intimate details of their lives. When you engage in therapy, it is important to understand that the information you share is generally treated as confidential, and professional and ethical guidelines bind therapists…
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Deciding to see a therapist can feel a overwhelming. Who should I see? What specialty should I look for? How will I know they are the right fit? All of these are really good questions and I hope I can help you answer them. The most important thing to remember in looking for a good…
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