Have you ever taken time to reflect on what your sexual health means to you? Depending on our personal histories and our access to resources (educational, medical, etc.), we may not have an idea of what exactly sexual health means. Historically, sexual health has been understood as simply avoiding unwanted pregnancy or contracting a sexually…
relationships
What is Dyspareunia and the Underlying Diagnoses of Sexual Pain
Addressing unwanted sexual pain is a key component of sexual health. The presence of unwanted sexual pain, also known as dyspareunia, can make engaging in sex become quite stressful. Dyspareunia can vary based on the person, and can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse. It can sometimes even happen while using female hygiene products—such…
Couples Therapy: How to Maintain Success
Source: Photo by AllGo on Unsplash The beginning of couples therapy tends to create a lot of positive change in the relationship. You will learn how to change your cycles of conflict and improve your communication. In some of my previous articles, I have shared some of the skills that you can use to strengthen…
Self-Care and Boundary Setting After Giving Birth
Source: Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash Whether this is your first child or your fifth, life undoubtedly looks different after welcoming your new baby into the world. During this transition, you might find that you are putting pressure on yourself to do everything just as you did before baby arrived. Unhelpful societal expectations with…
Insights from Couples Therapy: Family Logistics Meeting
Source: Photo by Laura Margarita Cedeño Peralta on Unsplash Successful relationships are built on effective communication and working together. Unfortunately, the stresses and pressures from daily life can get in the way, resulting in both of the individuals feeling like they are not getting the support they need. However, the time when we feel busiest…
Couples Therapy: A Daily Conversation That Can Reduce Stress and Improve Connection
Source: Photo by In Lieu & In View Photography on Unsplash In any relationship you are present as both a partner and as an individual. While you live together, you also have a life that is separate from your loved one. We spend time apart from each other and simultaneously want to be a part…
How to Establish and Maintain Boundaries with Family and Friends During the Holidays
Source: Photo by Dima Pechurin on Unsplash Setting and maintaining boundaries with family and friends starts with asking yourself what you want your boundaries to look like. It can be difficult to differentiate between what you truly want and need versus what you feel you should do. This is further muddied by the expectations that…
Couples Therapy: The State of the Union Conversation
Source: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash Once we have been in a romantic relationship for a long time it is easy to fall into a rut or to switch to autopilot. By the time we notice that we have fallen into a routine or begin to stagnate, it can feel incredibly difficult to break…
Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part I
[Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash] Our roles as therapists are characterized by the ability to create and hold space, bear witness to vulnerability and change, and attend to the dynamic and varying needs of our clients. Our roles as mothers and caregivers often demand these very same things. The transition to motherhood fundamentally changes…
Demystifying Psychotherapy: What Is the Essence of Psychotherapy?
A dizzying array of theories, modalities, and approaches makes up the vast field of psychotherapy. Humans have counseled, supported, and reassured other humans since the dawn of humanity. We are social beings who are not only capable of extraordinary empathy, but also derive comfort and joy from meaningful connection. The formal discipline of psychotherapy was…
