Relationships are a fundamental part of human life, providing emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. However, the dynamics of relationships can vary significantly, with some being healthier and more balanced than others. Two common types of...

The trope of a partner who won’t– or maybe can’t– communicate well is a tale as old as time. How many problems in romcoms could be solved if a couple just talked to each other? Plenty. But sometimes… the talking itself is a problem. Just talking and opening up isn’t...

Sex is supposed to be pleasurable for everyone involved– but sometimes it hurts! The medical term for painful sex is dyspareunia, and it’s something that many people experience throughout their lives. There are many potential causes, but all of them have a few things...

Think about your family holidays. Whose house are they at? Who makes the food, the desserts, the treats that are a part of your traditions? Who sends invitations, initiates group texts, and does all the organizing. Is it you? Your mom? Your sister? Your wife? Most...

Do you find yourself saying yes to everything, even when it’s inconvenient or something you don’t want to do? Are you so conflict-avoidant that the thought of upsetting a boss, partner, coworker, family member, or random stranger makes you feel anxiety? Do you...

There’s an entire industry centered around finding yourself. From life coaches to yoga, from movies like Eat Pray Love to Little Miss Sunshine, so much of what we do and the messages we consume involve finding ourselves. But what does that actually mean? Are we really...

Let’s think for a second about how we think about the future. No matter what you see– a dazzling career, a vibrant social life, a family– do you see yourself with your current partner? Someone else? Yourself? Everybody’s future is unique, and it might not include the...

Are you the kind of person who apologizes to the furniture when you bump into it? Do you find yourself saying “sorry” every time somebody else feels even slightly uncomfortable? If so, you might be an over-apologizer. Apologizing is a fundamental social skill, crucial...

As therapists, our work is to support our clients in their growth and in their challenges.  One of the biggest challenges that many people contend with is the tendency to try and cope with difficult emotions in ways that actually lead to more difficult emotions....

Most of us don’t get a job just to make friends– but that doesn’t mean you should put up with a toxic coworker. Dealing with a toxic coworker can be one of the most challenging aspects of any job. A toxic coworker can create a hostile work environment, undermine your...

When we look for someone to date, we often use dating apps or social media to understand them. When we are hiring, or looking for a job, there’s lots of criteria we consider. The basis of many of our most significant relationships is choosing the right person– so why...

Does your kid dread the start of the school week? Are they fine on Saturday night, but Sunday night sees them worried and whimpering? If so, they might be dealing with the “Sunday Scaries.” The end of the weekend and the start of a new week of school can be a lot for...

There’s a great line in the Netflix series Bojack Horseman that perfectly explains one of the problems people run into early in a relationship: “When you look at someone through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags.” We tend to look at new...

In 2022, about 56 million American adults saw a therapist. And that’s great! Seeing a therapist is a sign that you’re taking your mental health seriously and are willing to invest in your own happiness and wellbeing. But not every therapist is a great fit for you. It...

In our daily lives, we are surrounded by mirrors. There are literal mirrors like the one hanging over the closet door, the rear-view mirror in your car, the glass windows you walk past on your way to work, and even the front-facing camera on your smartphone. One use...

What is grounding? Why might someone want to do it? How can it help? Maria Dimachkie, a therapist at Love Heal Grow, answers these questions and gives examples of how you can ground yourself in the present moment.Hi, I'm Maria Dimachkie, therapist for individuals and...

The beginning of any relationship feels magical. It’s so great getting to know your partner, discovering their quirks and the little things that make you both feel special. But this phase doesn’t last forever– and frankly, you probably don’t want it to. The honeymoon...

Online dating has become one of the most common ways to meet people. Nearly 30% of US adults use dating apps, and it’s not just young adults. In fact, adults between 43 and 58 are the most successful at online dating; 72% of their first meetings from dating apps have...

Maria Dimachkie, a therapist at Love Heal Grow, talks about how trauma can impact your nervous system.Hi, I'm Maria Dimachkie, therapist for individuals and couples at Love Heal Grow Counseling. I help​ individuals and couples who have overcome difficult, painful...

Sometimes it feels like we can’t get anything right - relationships, work, hobbies. Our inner critic can become really loud and even cruel. We start criticizing ourselves for every little thing and it can feel overwhelming. We find ourselves saying things like “What’s...

You can’t have a relationship without trust. It doesn’t matter what kind of relationship– romantic, platonic, familial– trust is always going to be the bedrock of intimacy, vulnerability, and close connections. While you might be able to have a cordial, surface-level...