Step-family counseling and pre-step family counseling looks very different than counseling your average couple and family. The dynamics are different and there are specific considerations to make when coming together. One of the leading books to help both counselors and the general public learn more about becoming a stepfamily is ...

We have all heard that saying: Life happens. We meet some great people. We text and call each other at the craziest times, share hilarious situations that happened at parties, 4 a.m. IHOP runs, impromptu road trips, and having sleepovers. Then, BOOM! Someone goes to graduate school and the other ...

As a bit of a control freak myself, I may be a little biased here, but being a control freak isn’t all bad! Another way to look at it is you’re super competent, efficient, have high standards, and a go-getter. You get things done right the first time. Plus, when ...

Uncomfortable emotions and/or a general lack of skill to put thoughts and feelings into perspective- let alone words- often get in the way of communicating effectively. Not having the skills to communicate your wants/needs and set boundaries can leave you at increased risk for depression and anxiety, negatively impact your ...

The sniffles start, then comes the sneezing, and then the fever. The head fog and body aches follow shortly behind. You wash your hands a little bit longer than usual, noticing the quick onset of your partner’s sickness. Whether it’s a cold, the flu, strep throat, or anything else that ...

Being an avid gym-goer, I see many faces at the gym. For the most part, everyone keeps to themselves, but you start to recognize more faces than others after a while. Naturally, it is only a matter of time before other gym “regulars" become acquaintances and those acquaintances slowly move ...

Have you ever thought back to when you were dating your spouse and felt like there was nothing in the world that you two couldn’t tackle together? You saw your spouse in their element and best light, and you felt like you were on cloud nine. As life together continues, ...

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! We’re starting to see chocolate boxes and flowers on display at stores. Hearts and Cupid silhouettes are adorning the windows and hanging from the ceilings. For some couples, it’s time to start thinking of fancy dinner plans and extravagant gifts. Other couples treat ...

You’ve done all the right things, you’ve scheduled the babysitter, made reservations, picked out an outfit and have been looking forward to this date night with your spouse all week. The day comes… and for whatever reason, plans fall through and you have to stay at home with the kids. ...

After an affair, and during affair recovery, we follow three steps in counseling: atonement, attunement, and re-attachment. During attunement, couples have decided that they can move forward with forgiveness, ready to stop blaming the partner that was involved in infidelity.  Step 3:  Attunement Many trust building behaviors occur in this ...