When couples present to therapy with a challenge they are working through, one question I often ask is “what have you already tried to work on this?” Often, they list the tools and strategies they’ve tried that have been unsuccessful. Their ideas and attempts are good and are many of the same interventions I would have explored with them. Despite […]
Isn’t Love in the air? Thinking about breaking up or deciding to stay is pretty common when a relationship isn’t working as expected. According to research, breaking up is considered a major stressor. Ending a relationship is usually painful at least for one of the parties involved and the fear of making the wrong decision can be very confusing. People […]
Why is it that we have to deal with emotions? When someone reacts angrily or shows any negative emotion it seems to be uncomfortable for those around. Then, avoiding emotions may be a way to escape from being criticized or not accepted. However, according to a research article about dealing with feelings, personal suppression can have a negative impact on […]
Coping with life’s daily stresses can be hard. Sometimes it can feel like once you get through one storm, the next one is right there waiting for you. One of the most frequent recommendations I give to clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed, is journaling. There is a wide range of benefits to journaling and it […]
At some point everyone has experienced a dip in productivity, concentration and focus during the afternoon. This can cause a negative emotional reaction for some, feeling like you are failing or not performing at your best potential. In an article by Readers Digest there are thirteen practical tips to beating that afternoon slump. However, it seems that the afternoon slump […]
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying ‘happy wife, happy life,’ but have you also heard about Wife Appreciation Day? Turns out it’s a real thing. Of course, every couple is unique, and within that, each person has their own likes and dislikes. One of my personal pet peeves is dirty dishes. My husband knew about this. But in our first […]
We all have stress and different ways of managing it. Some people handle stress in a healthy way – exercising, talking, reading. Other times we may not handle stress so well. We revert to unhealthy habits instead. Stress eating is one behavior people engage in that can be a harmful attempt to cope with stress. Consuming food may cause a […]
There are very few people in life that have not experienced some form of loss. From the loss of a relationship, to a loss of a pet, you can recognize the stages of grief in many situations. Even in scenarios outside of the expected, such as the death of a loved one – you may experience the stages of grief […]
We’ve all seen the headlines announcing diet fads, telling us which chemicals to avoid, and foods presenting with a new health-stamp of approval on the daily. It can be difficult to keep up with the latest in health and diet, making trips to the grocery store a stressful event. It’s no secret that feeding the body means fueling the brain, […]
Hi, I'm Dr. Tabitha Johnson. I help individuals, couples & churches improve marriages with online courses, retreats & resources. © 2025 · The Marriage Doctor, LLC.