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Dealing With Difficult People: The Gray Rock Technique
Dealing with difficult people is exhausting. You find yourself dreading interactions, uncertain how to avoid the drama. That's where the Gray Rock Technique comes in. It's a powerful tool to maintain your peace of mind when dealing with challenging people.
14 Things to Say (or Not Say) When Someone Experiences Loss
It can be challenging to know what to say to someone who has experienced loss. It’s tempting to want to fix their pain. Here are 14 therapist-approved things to say to help someone you care about deal with loss.
Why You Can't Find Words to Talk About Your Trauma
Trauma is a heavy burden to bear. Sometimes, it can feel impossible to find the words to talk about it. Whether you're seeking therapy or trying to open up to a friend, verbalizing your trauma can be a challenge. There's science behind this difficulty, and strategies to help you unburden yourself by sharing with a trusted person.
8 Words Therapists Want You to Stop Using Wrong: What to Say Instead
Words are powerful tools for understanding and communicating. When used incorrectly, they can perpetuate misconceptions, stigmas, and confusion. Here are eight words that therapists wish you'd stop using incorrectly and alternative phrases that promote a more accurate and compassionate dialogue.
Holiday Gatherings: Three Steps to Thrive With Complicated Family Dynamics
The holiday season brings the promise of joy and togetherness. But for many of us, the prospect of spending extended time with family can be a source of stress and anxiety. If you find yourself in a situation where the holidays with family are more challenging than cheery, fear not. We've got three practical steps to not only survive but thrive during this festive season.
The Truth About Lies in Relationships: Why We Lie and How to Handle It
We've all had those moments when a little white lie slips out. Whether it's about traffic, busyness, or how good that homemade lasagna is. Lying is part of human communication, and not all lies are bad. In fact, many are told with the best intentions, aimed at preserving relationships and sparing feelings. But when the truth eventually surfaces, trust can waver.
Dealing With Challenging In-Laws: How Couples Should Handle Complex Dynamics
They say that why you marry someone, you marry their family. While some in-laws become beloved members of your extended family, others present challenges. It takes skill to navigate these complexities while preserving the unity of your chosen family. Let's explore various types of challenging in-laws and how to communicate with your spouse.
What To Do When One of the “4 Horsemen” Appears In Your Relationship
Few things feel as stressful as conflict and tension in our closest relationships. It can feel especially threatening when you encounter one of the infamous "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." These four toxic behaviors can unleash chaos in your relationship if left unchecked. But don't worry! We've got actionable strategies to combat them and repair your connection.
How To Plan Your Wedding Without Losing Your Mind: Tips From A Therapist
Amidst all the joy and anticipation, wedding planning can unexpectedly become a source of stress. So, why is it that something meant to celebrate your love can end up feeling so overwhelming?
5 Daily Habits For Lasting Love From Couples Therapists
Every couple encounters challenges on their journey together. The key to a thriving relationship often lies in the daily habits you cultivate. As couples therapists serving major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, we understand the importance of research in this area. In this article, we'll explore Gottman's Small Daily Habits and how they can improve your relationship.
Four Horsemen of the Relationship Apocalypse: Resolving Conflict in Couples Therapy
It’s a scene you know too well: You and your partner are having a conversation, and before you know it, it escalates into a heated argument. You both leave the conversation feeling upset and more distant than before. Sometimes it feels like an emotional apocalypse within our relationships. Here’s what’s actually going on and what to do about it.
Attachment and Emotional Intimacy: Understanding Trauma Dumping
There's a fine line between opening up and oversharing. We've all been in an awkward situation with that, right? Those moments when you're just getting to know someone, and suddenly they unleash their deepest traumas on you. It's like emotional TMI, and it's called "trauma dumping."
How Shared Goals Can Strengthen Your Relationship
All couples want to feel close. Common goals for couples therapy are to reduce conflict and improve communication. But what comes after that? One of the key findings from Dr. John Gottman's studies is that setting goals in a relationship can lead to the ultimate stage of connection: a sense of shared meaning.
Why Teens Talking About Mental Health on TikTok is a Good Thing
These days, teens can tap on an app, swipe through a few videos, and find an almost endless source of support regarding mental health topics. While parents may be apprehensive about teen social media use, the ability for teenagers to connect with others about their mental health can actually be a good thing if approached with the right mindset.
What To Do When Someone Sets a Harsh Boundary With You
How to respond to harsh and unreasonable boundaries.
Setting Healthy Boundaries This Holiday Season
Tips on setting healthy boundaries over the holidays from a therapist.
Holidays as a Couple: A Guide to Love, Negotiations, and New Traditions
A therapist gives advice about how to communicate with your partner around the holidays.
The Sound Relationship House: How Therapists Help Couples
Therapists at Laurel Therapy Collective use the Sound Relationship House model to help couples reduce conflict and build greater affection.
What’s the Difference Between Boundaries and Barriers?
The foundation of a boundary is a loving thing. Setting a boundary is saying “If you’re there and I’m here, we’re good.”
Therapist Advice: It's Good To Laugh In Therapy
If we’re examining humanity, it stands to reason there would be plenty to laugh & cry about. There’s also research behind why laughter in therapy is a good thing.
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We offer individualized teletherapy for a wide range of mental health and relational issues. Our San Francisco & Los Angeles teletherapists can help with anxiety, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, LGBT issues, holistic therapy, enneagram therapy, therapy for lawyers, couples therapy, and therapy for teenagers. We serve many people in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles, as well as throughout California and Florida. Our team is anti-racist, body positive, LGBT and trans affirming and sex positive. You deserve to feel good!