Relationship Insights
Family Estrangement: Why “Toxic” Isn’t Usually the Whole Story
Family estrangement used to be a private shame. Today, it’s a public conversation. For many, walking away from a family of origin is an act of survival—a necessary step to protect their dignity and safety. But there is another side to the story. Many parents and grandparents find themselves cut off, feeling confused and heartbroken.…
Read More7 Signs You Need Marriage Counseling / Couples Therapy (2026 Expert Guide)
Most couples try to “self-help” their way out of a rut before seeking professional support. While books and podcasts are great, certain patterns—like constant circular arguments or a total lack of intimacy—benefit most from expert intervention. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Should we do marriage counseling now?”, you’re already taking a brave first step toward…
Read MoreA Secure Base: An Effective Approach to Individual and Couple Therapy
Healing isn’t just an individual process. While insight and self-reflection matter, real self-acceptance often takes root in safe, secure relationships. This post explores how connection provides the emotional ground for growth and lasting change.
Read MoreWhen Marriage Counseling Makes Things Worse: Why Some Approaches Fail—and How EFT Gets It Right
As Sue Johnson, the pioneer of EFT, aptly observes, “Many couples come to therapy talking about communication problems when what they really need is help with the underlying emotions driving those problems.”
Read MoreTherapist Dr. Sue Johnson (1947-2024) revolutionized relationship counseling
If you’ve heard me describe the work I do or have been a student, you’ve heard me talk about therapist, Dr. Sue Johnson. I felt (continue to feel) an enormous loss with her passing, April 23rd, 2024. No individual was more important to the development of relationship therapy than her.
Read More“The Science of Relationships: Healing, Emotion, & Connection with Drs. Sue Johnson & Jim Furrow”
“With & For“, a podcast hosted by Dr. Pam King. This is a wonderfully warm and informative program where Sue and Jim discuss the core importance of relationship, and how to improve relationships. The following topics are covered: • Living in a way this is, “fully alive.” • How to bring together the spectrum of…
Read More“Cooling the Flames: De-escalating Arguments in Love”
Strategies for Handling Arguments in Relationship Introduction As an experienced, certified Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT) couple therapist, I’ve spent years helping couples navigate the complex tides of their relationships. I’ve realized that one of the most common challenges couples face is handling relationship conflict, i.e. managing and de-escalating the arguments we all experience. In what…
Read MoreAttachment and Wellness
Podcast Interview: “Cultivating Healthy Bonds: Insights from Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy” Attachment and Wellness are Inseparable Feeling connected and important to others is essential for our overall well-being. Simply put, attachment and wellness are inseparable. Therapists use Attachment theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a primary application of this theory, to provide significant…
Read MoreBuilding Resilient Bonds: How EFT Strengthens Community Connections
Building stronger communities is crucial, especially now as we face a widespread loneliness epidemic. The path to greater connectedness is clear. Based on attachment theory, EFT recognizes our inherent need for deep social bonds and strong emotional connections, fundamental to robust communities. By focusing on emotional dynamics, EFT helps forge secure, resilient relationships, aiding in…
Read MoreShould we do Premarital Counseling?
stable attachment enhances communication, fosters trust, and builds resilience in solving conflicts. With a strong foundation, couples are better equipped to navigate challenges together.
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