Even if you aren't going through infertility, I bet you've come across a "fixer"...that person that is already 10 steps ahead and into problem solving mode before you've even finished your sentence. Fixers can be great supporters and awesome friends to have by your side, but there are situations where they're just plain hard to deal with. I'll give you some concrete tips on how to deal with fixers to avoid hurt feelings, sadness, and prevent resentments.
Read MoreHave you ever asked your therapist if you're allowed to curse in therapy? Or apologized when you started crying? I encourage my clients to express themselves the way they need to in that moment. Anything else is guarded and gets in the way of therapy. In my latest post I talk about some other reasons this is important and why being your authentic self will help.
Read MoreDo you feel like fighting is the enemy in your relationship? Are you ready to stop fighting all together? My latest post offers some different ways to think about conflict and why your relationship has gotten to where it is. Don't give up, and never stop fighting for your marriage.
Read MoreEver wonder how Snicker's bars can make you a better parent? Have you seen that commercial, "you aren't yourself when you're hungry?" I'll tell you about a technique that will help you to stop and think before you start yelling or disciplining your kids in a way that doesn't feel like you. It's easy to lose your patience at times, but this is a way to remember to HALT before you say something you can't take back.
Read MoreIt's National Infertility Awareness Week and the theme is "Start Asking". I hope to increase awareness of issues faced by the infertility community, but also would like to help those who find themselves in a supportive role learn how to start asking the right questions and begin having meaningful conversations around this painful topic. Read here to learn more.
Read MoreEver wonder how you should be measuring progress in therapy? How will you know if therapy is working? What are the signs? After all, you don't want to be in therapy forever, so you need to know when it is working, when it's worked, and when it might be time to look at another therapist or treatment option. This post explores some things you will notice as a client if therapy is successful.
Read MoreIt's really easy to get overwhelmed as a parent. Your kids are driving you crazy, you have no time to take care of yourself, how is the house going to get clean? In this post, I share 3 easy exercise to reduce overwhelm and help you feel more confident and in control as a parent. You're doing a great job, and these tips will help you recognize that.
Read MoreEver wonder what happens in your relationship after you bring the baby home? Isn't it blissful? In many ways, it's the most wonderful time. In other ways, there are some challenges to deal with. But in the end, there are wonderful opportunities to grow as partners and parents. Read my post to learn more.
Read MoreIn this post, I offer some techniques and tips for how to remain calm and keep from losing your temper during stressful parenting situations, such as when your toddler is having a tantrum in the grocery store. These are the moments in which we feel helpless, defeated, and like failures as parents. The truth is, all parents have moments of struggle. Use those moments as opportunities to connect with others, and follow the steps to show yourself compassion. This is one topic that will be covered at my upcoming parenting skills workshop. You'll want to check that out too!
Read MoreAfter getting my first article published on PsychCentral "Infertility Sucks: 4 Ways to Accept Support from the People Who Love You," I was so excited to share more about the subject. It's not an easy topic to talk about, and when you're going through it you may find that you push others away. It's hard to be vulnerable. I'll explain some common reasons why it's so damn hard to accept help, and once you're ready, you can learn how to accept it.
Read MoreYou've probably heard the buzz words "spicing up your marriage." This implies that having a predictable or routine relationship is a negative thing that you need to change by adding spontaneity or new activities. However, research shows that couples are happiest when there is a solid and meaningful friendship. Friendship is built slowly over time through mundane, regular, every day interactions. I'd posit that you can forget about spicing things up, and instead focus on building that rock solid foundation.
Read MoreValentine's Day may be focused on sex, but if you're going through infertility sex is the last thing you want to do on your holiday. In my post, I offer some practical ideas for how to take the pressure off of making V-Day about sex at the end of the evening, and more about the true intention, which is reconnecting with your partner and increasing your intimacy.
Read MoreIn part 1, I discussed common fears people have about going to therapy. In part 2, I'll talk about the 8 reasons to process and overcome those fears, and go to therapy anyway. It can make such an impact on your life. Do the benefits outweigh the risks for you?
Read MoreI hear people tell me all about their fears of going to therapy and reasons why they haven't scheduled that first appointment. It's normal to be apprehensive about therapy, after all, it's a new experience and you'll be talking to a complete stranger about your secrets. In part one, I'll be discussing 4 common fears about going to therapy, and briefly introduce the 8 reasons you should do it anyway.
Read MoreIf you were able to get pregnant with ease and you're having difficulty getting pregnant with your next child, you could be experiencing secondary infertility. Trying to conceive is a stressful process on it's own, let alone experiencing complication when trying to get pregnant. In this post I answer several questions you may have about why you're having difficulties, how to manage the process, how to be a parent to the child you already have, how to engage your support system, and what to do next.
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