“I feel so unheard and misunderstood.” “How can I validate them when I don’t agree?” “I’m sorry you feel that way, but I disagree.” These are all phrases that I often hear in couples therapy. The importance of validation is something I emphasize with couples...
"I am sorry, Boy, but I have nothing left to give you—my apples are gone," said The Giving Tree. For those of you who don’t recognize this quote or photo, it is taken from The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This children's book tells the...
During the holiday season, gift-giving often feels like a central ritual. We search for the “perfect” present, worry about budgets, and hope what we offer will feel meaningful. Beneath the wrapping paper and shopping lists, there is a powerful psychological story unfolding. Gift-giving is not...
Are you and your partner dreaming separately instead of together? When you set couple goals, you're turning individual hopes into something you can both work toward. Relationship experts like John Gottman, PhD, whose research powers books like 'The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work' and...