It may be your fault that your life and relationships aren’t working. If your life isn’t working it is probably bet to look in the mirror rather than blame others. by Becky Whetstone, Ph.D. Although we all do our best to live in a world of equality and hearing both sides of a story before making a Read More
relationships
(Don’t Hate me For Saying) You Need to Give More to Your Relationship
“This one thinks being dependent or having needs is weak,” she said, as she pushed herself forward on the couch, pointing toward her husband. “Because of this, I’m not supposed to ask him for anything. Is this really true? It just doesn’t make sense to me. If that’s what it is, then what is marriage?” Read More
Why getting dumped (when you’re single) is a good thing.
My office carpet has gotten wet many times with the tears of single men and women in the throes of intense pain felt from romantic rejection, usually asking, “What is wrong with me? Why didn’t they like me? What did I do wrong?” It always pains me to see good people blaming a break up Read More
What’s reasonable to ask of your spouse? Sometimes a therapist must be the judge.
sometimes couples lock horns over issues and a therapist must choose what’s right.
What creates a relationship that will last the long-term.
by Becky Whtestone, Ph.D. Every Marriage and Family Therapist is familiar with Dr. John Gottman’s theory of the Sound Relationship House, the seven things that fortify a relationship and make a marriage strong. Gottman has done so much research on what makes great marriages and what predicts divorce, by studying, testing and interviewing thousands of Read More
Traveling with your partner for the first time.
While being your authentic self and showing up as the real you in relationships is the only way to find true contentment, that does not mean we get carte blanche to be unfiltered, self-centered and obnoxious. Why? Because if you want to have a healthy and thriving relationship while also being you, you have to Read More
Things people say that make therapists cringe.
One of the strangest things about becoming knowledgeable about psychological health and well-being is sitting by and listening to people in the media – and daily life – say things that you know will reinforce damaging themes and behaviors that people struggle with – things that keep them from becoming emotionally healthy. I have always Read More
Stepping stress-free through life, and the holidays, with step kids
Impudent step daughter, unreachable video gaming step son, and your spouse’s ex who doesn’t help the situation at all. No one told you how hard step parenting would be, but they should have. I always tell my clients considering marriage to a person who already has kids, it’s going to take a huge heart and Read More
Avoiding in law disaster – Navigating the holidays in your family’s territory.
One thing young American couples have in common is that in the first years of their marriage, they usually continue past Christmas traditions with each other’s families, often going back and forth from year-to-year or in one day if they live nearby, as the young bride and groom have not yet stepped into the stage Read More
How The World Screws Us Up
by Becky Whetstone, Ph.D. A therapist’s life can be complicated. We go to school and intern for years, we study, write and read a zillion books and articles, we do research and walk away with a bunch of extremely helpful knowledge about how to be happier, healthier, and a better person and family member. The Read More