“The scars you can’t see are the hardest to heal.” Astrid Alauda Are you in an emotionally abusive relationship? Emotional (or psychological) abuse differs from physical abuse in the sense there are no outward signs, thus, making it more difficult to recognize. In this post we will unpack what emotional abuse DOES NOT look like
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In this day and age, it feels impossible to avoid technology. The car is a computer on wheels; restaurant menus are giant scrolling TV screens; and everyone seems to be holding a tiny tablet in their hands at all times. On one hand: it’s pretty awesome. Technology allows us to do things we thought impossible
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Summer always brings with it an influx of new couple clients, and I’ve noticed that there seems to be a trend in what these new couples are bringing to therapy. Perhaps because summer opens up some free time and creates a sense that we should get things done that we’ve been putting off, I see
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I don’t actually want to spoil anything for anyone here, but lately it’s been difficult to avoid the topic of disappointment when it comes to talking about favorite TV shows ending. By now I’m sure most people are sick of hearing about how Game of Thrones came to an end, and there were very strong
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People who come to our offices for couples therapy generally enter the room for the first time with a list of things they want and need from their partners. The items on their lists vary, obviously, but a few themes stand out — more connection, more collaboration, more honesty, more support. Struggling couples come to
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Couple Therapy Sterling VA One of the most interesting things I observe as a couple and family therapist is how societal dynamics play out on the micro-level in relationships. Recently, I’ve been struck by the frequency with which I observe “whataboutism” on my couch, and I can’t help but notice that this is similar to
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There seems to be so much out there talking about how to fall in love, how to find the right person, how to know if you’re with the right person, how to know when you’re ready for love, etc. Truly at the heart of it, we are all wired for connection. But I think, quite
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Individual Therapy Sterling, VA Today’s post is another in my series on cognitive distortions — problematic ways of thinking that can lead unhealthy self-talk and to problems in interpersonal relationships. You can catch up on my previous posts on cognitive distortions (mind-reading, personalization, black or white thinking, negative filtering) if you’ve missed those in the
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Couple Therapy Sterling, VA Happy New Year! The holidays are over, the kids are back in school, and the stresses and routines of daily life are back. After what I hope was a relaxing and connecting break away from it all, most of us are now turning our attention back to things outside of our families
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Couples Therapy Sterling VA As an early step in almost every couples therapy process, I spend time talking with my clients about how to effectively communicate empathy. The vast majority of couples come into therapy with the goal of improving communication, but many have a hard time articulating exactly what it is about the way they
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