Communication is one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy. It can feel like a never-ending journey to be effectively understood by others and to better understand our partners. Unfortunately, things get in the way of understanding and being understood, in the form of unhelpful types of communication. Especially when you add kids into the equation. Lack of sleep, busy schedules, and the … [Read more...] about Navigating Communication and Parenting in a Relationship: The Four Horseman, Parenting, and Maintaining a Loving Relationship
Why Telling Your Birth Story Matters
Pregnancy, giving birth, and meeting your baby are transformative experiences that will undeniably change your life in innumerable ways. Whether you had a formal birth plan, with your preferences laid out ahead of time, or you took a more “go with the flow” attitude, the experiences, emotions, joys, and disappointments that occur throughout pregnancy and the birthing process have the power to … [Read more...] about Why Telling Your Birth Story Matters
8 Tips for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
Having a baby changes your life in every way possible. This is especially true for women who return to work after having a baby, especially in the United States, where there is no mandated paid leave for mothers or fathers. Returning to work can be upsetting and a source of anxiety for many new moms who may not feel ready to go back to their careers. It can feel out of your control, but here are a … [Read more...] about 8 Tips for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
Cognitive Distortions: The Motherhood Edition
Most of us have thoughts where we worry about the worst possible outcome, or we fixate on how we were perceived. We have thoughts that are skewed, disruptive, or just blatantly false. And then you become a mother and the anxious, negative thinking can feel like it’s nonstop. These negative thoughts are known as cognitive distortions and they can interfere in relationships, hold us back from … [Read more...] about Cognitive Distortions: The Motherhood Edition
How to Move Forward After Loss: The Four Tasks of Mourning
Losing a loved one is one of the most personal and painful experiences that we face in our lives. In the aftermath of a loss, it is easy to get stuck in the pain and feelings of overwhelm and avoid the process of mourning the loss. While grief is a difficult and process, it is also a healthy one. Based on William Worden’s book, Grief Counseling and Grief therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health … [Read more...] about How to Move Forward After Loss: The Four Tasks of Mourning
4 Truths About Postpartum Life
Pregnancy and the postpartum period is a time of profound changes, physically, emotionally, and socially. Our bodies change, our emotions vacillate, and our relationships follow suit. The postpartum period is one of adjustment and adaptation. This is true if you are bringing home your first baby or your fourth. Throughout her pregnancy, a mother is typically cared for and doted on, but after her … [Read more...] about 4 Truths About Postpartum Life