Arguing about money in marriage is common. Forbes published a study conducted by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysis citing financial stress is the third leading cause of divorces. This statistic is definitely alarming but financial strain doesn’t need to destroy your relationship. In fact, you can avoid conflict over money by having a few simple (ongoing) conversations. My friend recently told me how her husband came home with a large...
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As a therapist and human being, there are a few things I know to be true about people in relationships. One is that we all need acceptance, love, and security. The second is that no one is perfect at providing those things all of the time. Essentially, we all screw up at some point, and have to figure out how to offer a sincere apology. I recently had a great...
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As a good friend of a military wife, I've seen her spend many periods of time away from her husband. I am all too familiar with the struggle of a having to manage your relationship over long distance. Trying to stay connected, but also trying to be present where you are. Dealing with jealousy or concern because you can’t be with your partner. Trying to sync up times when you...
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Most of us know what anxiety feels like or have loved someone with anxiety. If you have anxiety, you know exactly what it feels like. If you think you've never experienced anxiety you can probably imagine how you would feel waiting for an important call, when your phone battery is at 5% and you're away from home where you left your charger. I'm sure you've experienced the heart drop and...
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At some point in your life, it's pretty much guaranteed you will experience conflict, hurt, or be let down by someone you care about. You will also hurt someone else or let them down, even if it's done unintentionally. Sometimes hurt and conflict occur in smaller ways like forgetting a special occasion or having an argument over who should do the dishes. There are other times where a major betrayal...
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My teenage daughter recently discovered that she needed braces. The disappointment on her face spoke volumes as she started protesting, “I already have glasses now I’m going to have BRACES?” Sadly, she has had many moments of self-doubt and damaged self-esteem as she tries to navigate her way through her adolescent years. These days technology and social media create a platform for skewed personal views and lower self-esteem. We all...
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As a therapist who works with a variety of populations and problems there are different interventions and techniques that work for different clients. However, there is one thing that works for everyone - no matter the age or the complaint - and that's coping skills. A recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 75% of Americans experienced symptoms of stress in any given month, and nearly 50%...
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Have you ever woken up and just felt like you were "in a funk?" Maybe you didn't want to get out of bed, even if you slept well. You probably didn't want to eat or do much of anything at all. The thought of going to work or running errands just makes you want to run away and never come back? We've all had those days where we just want...
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Have you ever been in a room full of strangers and felt like everyone is staring at you or whispering about you? What if you found out that those people didn’t want to work with you? Or if they told you they didn’t want you to marry into their family? I would feel incredibly self-conscious and embarrassed. These strangers are judging me without even knowing me! This is what mental...
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I'm a relationship expert & therapist, happily married to my hubby Derek for nearly 10 years, Christ follower, foodie & travel fanatic.