Family

The Real Difference Between Requests and Boundaries in Relationships

“Can you not do that?”“I need you to stop.”“That makes me uncomfortable.” These all sound like boundaries—but are they really? In therapy (and honestly, in life), we talk a lot about boundaries. But one of the most common misunderstandings is the difference between a request and a boundary. They’re both about communication, they both show […]

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Boundaries, Couples, Family, Friends, Relationships
Understanding Attachment Styles: How Your Childhood Bonds Shape Adult Relationships

Understanding Attachment Styles: How Your Childhood Bonds Shape Adult Relationships

You know that feeling when someone pulls away and you suddenly spiral into overthinking every text you ever sent them? Or maybe you’re the one who feels smothered the moment someone gets emotionally close. These responses aren’t random—they’re often rooted in something called attachment styles. Attachment theory isn’t just psychobabble—it’s a well-researched framework that helps

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Attachment, Children, College/Students, Couples, Family, Friends, Relationships
The Truth About Closure: Why It’s More Complex Than You Think

The Truth About Closure: Why It’s More Complex Than You Think

Closure is one of those concepts we hear about all the time—often in the context of relationships, loss, or life’s messy transitions. The idea sounds comforting, almost like a magic trick: tie up the loose ends, process the experience, and voilà, you’re free to move on. But let’s be real—closure is rarely that simple, and

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Attachment, Challenges, College/Students, Couples, Family, Grief, Parenting, Relationships
Why Offering Reassurance Feels Impossible for Avoidant Attachment Styles

Why Offering Reassurance Feels Impossible for Avoidant Attachment Styles

We all crave a little reassurance now and then. A quick “I love you,” a text that says, “Thinking about you,” or even a simple nod when we’re venting about our day—these tiny moments can be grounding and affirming. But if you’ve ever been in a relationship with someone who leans avoidant, you might have

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Attachment, Emotions, Family, Relationships
How to Use Your Love Language for Better Self-Care

How to Use Your Love Language for Better Self-Care

We often think of love languages in the context of relationships—how we express love to partners, friends, and family. But what if we flipped the script and used our love language to take better care of ourselves? Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and scented candles (though those can be great!); it’s about understanding what makes

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Couples, Family, Five Love Languages, How To, Personal Development, Relationships
Fighting Dirty in Relationships: What It Is and Why It Matters

Fighting Dirty in Relationships: What It Is and Why It Matters

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship. In fact, disagreements can strengthen connections when handled with respect and understanding. But sometimes, fights escalate into something far less productive—what’s often referred to as “fighting dirty.” Recognizing the signs of dirty fighting is crucial for maintaining a healthy, loving relationship and avoiding long-term emotional damage. What

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Communication, Family, Relationships
How to Recognize Emotional Unavailability in Relationships

How to Recognize Emotional Unavailability in Relationships

Emotional unavailability is one of those relationship roadblocks that can leave you feeling frustrated, unseen, and exhausted. Maybe you’ve been in a dynamic where you keep trying to get closer, only to hit an invisible wall. Or perhaps someone in your life gives mixed signals—warm one moment, distant the next. Whatever the case, emotional unavailability

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Couples, Emotions, Family, How To, Parenting, Relationships
Understanding How ADHD Manifests in Motherhood: Challenges and Insights

Understanding How ADHD Manifests in Motherhood: Challenges and Insights

Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and the never-ending juggling act of meeting your children’s needs while trying to maintain your own sense of self. For mothers with ADHD, this already complex role can come with a unique set of hurdles and strengths that often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Let’s explore the ways

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ADHD, Challenges, Parenting
Teaching Kids to Apologize: Helping Children Say “I’m Sorry” (and Mean It)

Teaching Kids to Apologize: Helping Children Say “I’m Sorry” (and Mean It)

Apologies are tricky—even for adults. We’ve all heard (or given) those half-hearted “I’m sorry you feel that way” non-apologies that don’t actually mend relationships. So, if saying sorry is hard for grown-ups, it’s no surprise that kids struggle too. Teaching children to apologize isn’t just about getting them to say the words—it’s about helping them

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Children, Parenting, Tips
How to Stop Parenting Your Parents: Setting Healthy Boundaries with Aging Loved Ones

How to Stop Parenting Your Parents: Setting Healthy Boundaries with Aging Loved Ones

It can be a tricky dynamic: as our parents age, we might notice them needing more support, advice, or even care. Maybe they call you for help navigating technology or managing their finances, or perhaps they seem to rely on you for emotional reassurance more than you expected. It’s natural to want to help the

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Boundaries, Family, How To, Parenting
Assertiveness Training and How It Can Help You

Assertiveness Training and How It Can Help You

We all have the right to express ourselves as long as we do it in a respectful way. Assertiveness is a communication style that helps us express ourselves in a direct, honest manner while respecting the rights and dignity of others. Assertive people ask for what they want; they speak up to express their needs

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Anxiety, Couples, Depression, Family, Parenting, Professional/Work, Stress, Teens, Therapy, Treatments
Am I Ready for Therapy? When the Answer is Yes!

Am I Ready for Therapy? When the Answer is Yes!

The decision to come to therapy can be scary – scary AF, to be honest. It can be difficult to know what to expect, where to start, and whether you’re at a spot in your life where you would truly benefit from attending sessions. Most of us initially feel uncertain when we have the idea

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Anxiety, Children, Couples, Depression, Family, Getting Started, Grief, Parenting, Stress, Teens, Therapy, Wellness
5 Practical Ways to Combat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy

5 Practical Ways to Combat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy

Burnout is like a slow leak in your tire—by the time you realize something’s wrong, you’re already running on empty. It can sneak up on anyone, especially in today’s fast-paced world where we’re constantly juggling work, family, social obligations, and that never-ending list of things to do. If you’ve been feeling drained, unmotivated, or emotionally

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Boundaries, Connection, Family, Friends, Relationships, Therapy
AutPlay Therapy

AutPlay Therapy

Certified AutPlay providers treat children and families through a natural, play therapy-based approach that is both therapist-led and parent-led. This collaborative model combines play therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relationship development to assist children and adolescents in gaining needed skills and abilities. AutPlay Therapy Addresses Improvement in the Following Areas: Emotional Regulation Ability Social Skills

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Anxiety, Children, Depression, Family, Parenting, Stress, Teens, Therapy, Treatments
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