Take a look around and stay a while!
Finding Balance in Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude is often seen as a simple, feel-good practice—something we turn to during holidays or when life feels easy. But what if gratitude could be more than a fleeting sentiment? What if it could anchor us in times of uncertainty and help us find balance when the world feels out of control?
Honoring Indigenous Cultures: A Path Toward Connection and Healing
As a therapist, I often witness how deeply our relationships—with others, with the world, and with ourselves—impact our well-being. Honoring Indigenous cultures and voices isn’t just about acknowledgment; it’s about fostering meaningful connection, respect, and healing. Indigenous teachings emphasize interconnectedness and balance, ideas that resonate with mental health principles. In this blog post, I invite you to explore small but impactful ways to honor Indigenous cultures in everyday life—and how doing so can deepen our relationships to the world and those around us.
Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month: A Celebration of Diversity in All Relationships
As a Latina therapist who deeply values inclusion, Hispanic Heritage Month holds special significance for me, both personally and professionally. It is a time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Latin community while recognizing the incredible diversity that exists within it. From the lively traditions to the powerful stories of resilience, this month is a reminder of the importance of embracing multicultural perspectives—especially when it comes to our relationships.
Embracing Pleasure and Intimacy While Single
As a therapist, I often hear from single individuals who wonder how they can cultivate pleasure and intimacy in their lives without being in a romantic relationship. It’s a question that reflects a common misconception: that pleasure and intimacy are only tied to romantic partnerships. The truth is, these essential aspects of life are just as available to you as a single person, and in many ways, exploring them on your own can lead to deep personal growth, self-love, and fulfillment.
The Evolution of Pleasure and Intimacy in Healthy Relationships
As a therapist, I’ve seen how pleasure and intimacy can change and evolve over time in relationships. It's a natural progression that happens as couples grow together, face challenges, and deepen their connection. And while it can feel unsettling at times, this evolution can also open the door to new levels of closeness, trust, and emotional fulfillment.
Romance through the lens of Culture and Identity
In my years of working with couples and individuals, one thing has become abundantly clear: romance is deeply intertwined with culture and identity. Our romantic practices are shaped by the traditions we inherit, the identities we embody, and the social contexts we navigate. Understanding this intersection is crucial for building healthy, fulfilling relationships, especially in a world that is increasingly diverse and interconnected.
Intimacy During the First Year of Parenthood
Welcoming a child into a partnership is an exciting yet daunting time for couples. Whether it’s a planned or unplanned pregnancy, parenthood is sure to change a person’s life in more ways than one. While many people believe the romance is disappearing, the reality is that each partner’s love language may be changing as they themselves are evolving. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it simply is. In fact, it can be a great opportunity to rediscover each other and fall in love all over again with the new version of the person in front of you.
How to Cultivate Romance Authentically
It is so important for couples to chart their own path in their romantic expression. There are so many societal standards of what romance should be, but what makes romance special, fun and exciting is when it is mutual and personal.
Romance & You
Romance is defined as a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love. It can be challenging to maintain that excitement and mystery in a long-term relationship. However, I believe that romance requires intentionality and nurturing. I am also reminded of the themes that resonated with me during my adolescence when I was not in any relationship. There is so much value in romanticizing our lives, both inside and outside of romantic relationships.
How to Ressurect Your Romance: A Therapist’s Guide
Romance is the lifeblood of any thriving relationship. Like many things, romance has the potential to wane in a relationship if we’re not careful. This is normal and often happens because of life transitions, value shifts, or relationship challenges. But it doesn't mean the spark has to be lost forever.
Celebrating Good Care Month: Honoring Our Dedicated Caregivers
As July marks Good Care Month, it's the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of caregivers in our society. Caregivers, both professional and non-professional, play a vital role in supporting the most vulnerable among us – the disabled, ill, and elderly. Their dedication and compassion ensure those in need receive the care and support they deserve.
Juneteenth: A Legacy & A Celebration
Juneteenth reflects the intersection between the black experience and being citizens of the United States of America. Juneteenth is recognized as a celebration of freedom and the heritage of black people in this country. For me and many others, it also represents resilience and the struggle for equity and justice historically and currently.
That Girl Summer is for You
In a world that often tells women they are not enough, That Girl Summer is intentionally affirming and restorative, seeking to remind women of their inherent worth and beauty. It's a time to embrace who we are, flaws and all, and to treat ourselves with the kindness and compassion we deserve.
Sensory Connections in Romantic Relationships
Sensory experiences play a crucial role in deepening the connection in romantic relationships. By engaging our senses and being present in these moments, we can create a deeper, more meaningful bond with our partners.
Tips For Discussing Politics with Family
As the election approaches, polarization and political tension is at an all time high. People are impacted by the political context of their lives, no matter what political affiliation they identify with.
Since political figures and government systems play such an important part in decision making for our country, it’s normal for people to have political preferences that reflect their values and beliefs.
3 Myths About Couples Therapy
There are a lot of myths we hear about relationships in couples therapy, but here are 3 of the most common that we would like to address:
Breathing Techniques to Reduce Stress
There are tons of breathe work exercises to help soothe us when we’re feeling stressed. Here are 2 breathing methods for you to try now!
This Makes or Breaks a Relationship
According to relationship expert John Gottman, one of the secrets to relationship success is “turning towards your partner” by making and receiving ‘bids’ for connection.
What are bids?
The Importance of Compatibility
Being compatible with our partners plays a big part in relationship satisfaction.
Compatibility in relationships is determined by having similar views and opinions on the important matters in your life, with the ability to accept one another and tolerate the differences In a functional way.
We all have differences, but incompatibility occurs when their differences prevent the couple from living harmoniously, together.
Why is it important?
5 Lessons To Teach Kids About Emotions
What can you teach your young kids about their emotions?