10 Things You Should Know About Men & Trauma
Whether you are a man who has experienced a traumatic event or are wondering how to support a male partner who has experienced a traumatic event, it is helpful to know more about how gender impacts the way men experience trauma. Gender can influence the way people experience trauma due to expectations of behavior based […]
How Infertility Treatment Can Impact a Couple’s Sexual Relationship
Struggling with infertility can cause a range of difficulties for a couple, and we recommend marriage counseling or couples therapy with a couple’s therapist who specializes in infertility. Infertility, and the treatments of infertility can cause significant financial stress, feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, relationship distress, feelings of loss and grief. […]
Medical Problems & Anxiety
At some point in life, most individuals will face a personal medical crisis or must live with a chronic illness. A common concern I see in my practice is an increase in anxiety after a medical event or diagnosis of a chronic illness. Here are a few things to know about medical problems and anxiety: […]
When Couples Grieve Differently
There are a range of normal and healthy responses to grieving a loss. However, couples sometimes experience distress when they perceive their partner’s way of grieving as different. Difference is actually okay. But it is often the stories couples tell themselves about this difference that causes an issue: i.e. “He/She just doesn’t care,” “He’s/She’s taking […]
6 Medical Conditions in Women that can Cause or Contribute to Pelvic/Sexual Pain
1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): It is estimated that 6-12% of women have PCOS, which impacts women during their childbearing years. The ovaries of women with PCOS produce an abnormal quantity of androgens, which in some cases disrupt ovulation. Symptoms of PCOS can vary but may include cystic ovaries, irregular periods, insulin resistance, excess body […]
Surviving the Narcissist: What to do When the Abuser Cries Abuse
A frightening story I hear over and over is that of a narcissistic ex-partner abusing the legal system to abuse and bully their former partner. The narcissist will claim their former partner was or is abusive to him/her and/or their pets or children. This form of abuse is costly to the victim, as the victim […]
Coercive Sexual Experiences
An experience that is not usually represented in sexual assault or sexual violence statistics is the experience of sexual coercion. However, coercive sexual experiences are a type of sexual assault and sexual violence and can cause similar trauma related symptoms. Many women who have coercive sexual experiences struggle with how to label or name what […]
9 Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist
Narcissistic personality disorder is marked by an individual’s belief they are superior to others, an exaggerated sense of one’s accomplishments and need to be well liked by others. Those traits are usually easy to see. In a relationship however, narcissistic traits can sometimes be hard to identify. Here are a few signs that your partner […]