As a couples therapist, I often explore the dynamics of emotions and how they impact our behaviors and relationships.

Interestingly, recent research has unveiled a potent emotional tool for beating bad habits: gratitude.

This finding, while initially surprising, offers valuable insights into how we can approach addiction and habit formation from a fresh perspective.

In the spectrum of automatic responses to threat, the freeze response is often overshadowed by the more well-known fight or flight responses.

However, freezing plays a crucial role in survival, giving individuals time to decide on the most appropriate action in dangerous situations.

This response, though seemingly passive, is a sophisticated strategy that allows for heightened awareness and deliberation.

The most neglected relationship question on the internet is arguably:

"How can we effectively navigate and reconcile differing values and long-term goals in a relationship?"

Why is this question so often overlooked?

Ever catch a whiff of your partner’s shirt and feel an inexplicable sense of calm wash over you?

You’re not alone.

According to recent research, smelling your partner’s clothes can significantly reduce stress levels.

Yep, you heard that right – your partner’s t-shirt is basically a portable, olfactory stress ball.

Choosing a partner is a deeply personal and significant decision that directly impacts our happiness, health, and longevity.

While qualities like trust and empathy are often highlighted, a deeper dive into research and expert insights reveals a richer understanding of what truly matters in a partner.

Let’s jump in!

I'm seeing an increasing number of clients whose lives are overshadowed by a profound sense of unease and dissatisfaction, largely driven by an outdated and harmful notion of what happiness should be.

Our society's conventional definition of happiness often revolves around superficial achievements: money, fame, perfection, and winning at all costs.

This old paradigm, which I'll call Limbic Happy, sets us up for failure. It promises fulfillment but delivers emptiness, leaving us chasing an illusion.

Ever wondered if your eating habits could be the key to better mental health? Turns out, they might be!

Research shows that people who eat intuitively are less likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues.

So, what exactly is intuitive eating? It's all about eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full. Sounds simple, right? It’s the opposite of dieting or restricting food intake, which can lead to a host of problems.

We all start life as intuitive eaters—babies cry when they're hungry and stop when they're full. But over the years, social conditioning messes with this natural instinct.

As a science-based couples therapist, I see firsthand how intimacy can transform relationships.

Recent research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior highlights the significant role intimacy plays in enhancing sexual desire, satisfaction, and reducing sexual distress.

Let's explore these findings and understand how daily experiences of intimacy can positively impact your relationship.

The "Gottman State of the Union Meeting" is a crucial component of the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach to relationship therapy developed by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman.

The method is renowned for its scientific grounding and effectiveness in improving relationship satisfaction and stability.

Sometimes you never know where your next great blog idea will come from.

Enter the “fart walk”—a delightful practice of taking a post-meal stroll to, quite literally, let things air out.

Mairlyn Smith, a Canadian actress and cook, introduced this concept on TikTok, and it has since become a viral sensation.

But is there more to fart walking than just a good laugh?

As a science-based couples therapist, I’ve seen how deeply our personalities influence our life paths.

Your unique traits and tendencies can affect everything from your career to your health and happiness.

Let’s check out the science behind 16 personality traits and their impact on your life's outcomes.

Sex in your 40s can be a richly fulfilling experience, offering opportunities to rediscover passion and deepen intimacy with your partner.

While this stage of life brings its own set of challenges, it also presents unique moments for enhanced pleasure and connection.

This post explores the various facets of sex in your 40s, enriched with insights from classic sex therapy.