Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Starting around age 9 or 10, children begin wanting to be grown-ups. When they see their parents, they imagine adulthood as a life full of freedom and perks, such as: To a child, becoming an adult means you’ve “arrived.” What they don’t see is the reality of life—the responsibility, discipline, and emotional maturity required to … Read more
Many people in therapy ask a version of the same question: “Isn’t it selfish for me to practice self-care?” For individuals who deeply care about their partners, families, or communities, prioritizing themselves can feel uncomfortable. Some people even feel guilty when they spend time taking care of their mental health, emotional health, or physical health. … Read more
Introduction: Our Deep Human Need for Connection From infancy through adulthood, one emotional need remains constant: the need to feel safe, seen, and supported by the people who matter most to us. In family therapy and relationship counseling, this core concept is known as attachment. Understanding attachment theory can transform how we view parenting, marriage, … Read more
Modern dating can feel overwhelming. With endless options through apps, social media, and online profiles, most people today struggle to understand relationships, expectations, and other people’s intentions. Everyone wants a healthy relationship built on mutual respect, good communication, and emotional safety — yet unrealistic expectations, red flags, and past experiences often interfere with finding true … Read more
You know when to change the oil in your car, because the windshield sticker tells you after a few months of driving or a certain number of miles. You know when it’s time to change a baby’s diaper because—well—you just know! But how do you know when it’s time to make an important first step … Read more
The greeting “Happy Holidays!” often suggests joy, celebration, and happy moments. Yet for most people, the reality of the holiday season can feel very different. Instead of joy, many experience holiday stress, rising stress levels, anxiety, depression, and pressure from family members, loved ones, and expectations that feel impossible to meet. The joyful experience this … Read more
Every year, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we have an opportunity to review our lives, our relationships, and the moments that bring us meaning. But Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the party- and shopping-sprint that ends with Christmas, and it’s easy to rush past the deeper sense of gratitude to which Thanksgiving invites us. … Read more
Imagine walking out of your apartment in New York tomorrow morning and seeing your innermost thoughts written in bright lights above your head. Would you feel exposed? Embarrassed? Relieved that other community members could finally understand you? The truth is, many of our private fears and emotions are more alike than we realize. As the … Read more
Introduction: The Gift of Love and Healing “One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all.” With this famous opening line, O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi reminds us that love often requires sacrifice, vulnerability, and growth. In the story, a young couple gives up their most treasured possessions to bring joy to one another … Read more
“Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we must be saved by love.”– Reinhold Niebuhr In October 2012, New York City endured the powerful force of Hurricane Sandy, which brought not only damage to physical infrastructure but also deep emotional strain. In the storm’s aftermath, entire neighborhoods had to rebuild—not just homes, … Read more