You’re Not Broken
“Can you fix me?” It’s happened many times. A new client comes in for their first appointment. They’ve read my website, we’ve talked briefly on the phone, and after going over the questions that help me learn more about you in the first session—they take a deep sigh,...
How to Complain in Relationships
Conflict in relationships is inevitable. Your partner continues to show up late for date night. Or maybe they made a big purchase on your joint account without consulting you. No matter how much love and understanding there is in our relationships, our partners can do...
How To Rebuild Trust After Infidelity: Part II
Last week I wrote about rebuilding trust after infidelity. Much of the focus was on helping the hurt partner heal after they learn about the infidelity. This week, I want to talk about the partner who had the affair. While the unfaithful partner* must take...
How To Rebuild Trust After Infidelity: Part I
Couples who are committed to healing after infidelity do the hard and often rewarding work of rebuilding trust. I spend time supporting my couples in conversations to help the hurt partner* rebuild trust. This includes: Helping the unfaithful partner provide...
Valentine’s Day in Sacramento
I walked into Raley’s this weekend and I was BOMBARDED with pink and red. A dozen roses for $100—reserve them now! Candy, cookies, balloon bouquets—don’t forget to shower your loved one with goodies! Visions of last-minute shoppers rushing to the store so their...
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) – Sacramento Relationship Therapist
What is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)? Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is a structured approach to couples therapy which focuses on what we know about adult attachment and how couples bond. Emotionally focused...
5 Stages of Grief & Loss
When we give ourselves permission to grieve, we often move through 5 stages of grief. We don’t move through these stages in any specific order, though. And we can absolutely go back and forth through the emotions—or move to acceptance and still have days pop up where...
Gottman Method Therapy – Sacramento Relationship Therapist
What is Gottman Method Couples Therapy? Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman of The Gottman Institute, Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a research-based approach to strengthening relationships. Dr. John Gottman has been studying relationships for decades, gaining...
When you’re grieving: There’s no “wrong” way
You lost someone you love and it seems like everyone is saying things like... “They’re in a better place.” “You’ll see them again one day.” “They would want you to move on.” “At least you got to say goodbye.” “At least they aren’t in pain anymore.” “At least you have...
We are all connected. Act accordingly. ️
Important Information for Couples Seeking Lasting Love
In addition to the counseling I do with couples, I spent 4 years facilitating relationship groups at a Sacramento community agency. I loved this work—and to make it even better, I led the groups with my spouse. We were able to play a part in helping to strengthen...
Good Enough.
So many of us battle perfectionistic traits. No matter how hard we try, we fall short of our own standards. This can lead to harmful self-judgement, shame, chronic stress. Maybe these standards came from society's expectations, a less than nurturing caregiver, or an...
We’re In This Together
These words bring me so much comfort whether I'm reciting them to a friend, hearing them from my partner, or repeating them in my mind. Feeling alone is a natural part of being human. We've all felt this way. And it can be painful. Next time you are feeling alone,...
Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti
Seriously. Have a kindness party. With kindness confetti. That gets stuck in your hair and you find in your couch cushions for months.
What is Trauma?
After counseling & supporting countless survivors of trauma over the years, I wanted to create some easy to understand information. These articles are meant to offer knowledge & hope for survivors of trauma. It is my belief that KNOWLEDGE + HOPE = EMPOWERMENT....
It’s Okay to Fall
When we try, sometimes we fall. And that's okay. Think of a child learning to ride a bike. Their excitement to try something new. Practicing first with training wheels. Then with someone else holding them and running beside. Now it's time to take a big risk, on their...
5-Minute De-Stress Routine ~ Recharge & Conquer Your Day
Let’s talk about a 5-minute de-stress routine that anyone can easily add into their workday or stressful day at home. This is a simple breathing technique—which I love because when things are simple, it’s very easy to add them into our day and still notice some great...
Inspiration Round-Up: The Moth, @PersonalPractice & Justin Bieber
Hey, all! This is a new round-up I'm putting together to share inspiration from around the internet. Inspiration Round-Up will focus on creative expression, stories that connect us, and all that leads us to love, healing and growth. If you are like me, you appreciate...
50+ Ways to Celebrate Your Love All Year Long
Do you Valentine’s Day? I’m hearing more and more from couples who are over the corporate-push and forced-feeling of the holiday. Ring true for you? I also know couples who love the holiday. They share joy and connection over cards, flowers and chocolates—and if this...
Happy National Wear Red Day!
Today I wore red to raise awareness about heart disease in women. Did you know heart disease and stroke kills 1 in 3 women? These women are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. ️ You can learn more at goredforwomen.org. Why I #GoRed: After graduating college in...
Comedy & Personal Trauma
"Comedy can be a cathartic way to deal with personal trauma." -Robin Williams I love this quote. Especially because it's from a person who brought so much laughter to the lives of others. No matter what your challenges currently are, I hope you have space for laughter...
