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Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

Balancing Commitment, Friendship, and Passion: A Guide for Couples

A long term relationship should have three elements: commitment, friendship, and passion. When these elements are in equilibrium, relationships thrive. But when they're not, people feel unsatisfied and anxious. Let's explore what each part means, the challenges that arise when they go missing, and how couples therapy can help restore balance.

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Book Review Laurel van der Toorn Book Review Laurel van der Toorn

Therapeutic Book Review: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

Eve Rodsky's "Fair Play" is a guide for changing the way we handle domestic and emotional labor. While it excels in providing structure and clarity, there is room for improvement in handling conflicts and disagreements. The language of the book also fails to be inclusive of LGBT and same-sex couples.

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Navigating Virtual Codependency: Balancing Online and Offline Love

The way we connect with our partners has changed drastically with technology. While technology has enriched our lives in many ways, it has also given rise to virtual codependency. Virtual codependency happens when a couple becomes too intertwined with their phones and social media.

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EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

What to Do When EMDR Makes Things Worse

EMDR is a hot treatment right now. Many people have cited it as a game-changer for their mental health. But like any therapeutic method, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. If you've tried EMDR therapy without experiencing the expected results, you're not alone. Here are some of the most common reasons people don’t get results from EMDR and what to do about them.

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Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

Gottman, EFT, or Imago? Choosing a Couples Therapy Approach

When couples seek therapy, they have various approaches to choose from. But how do you know which one to choose? Without special training in therapy, it can feel overwhelming. It's okay if you don't know where to start. Three popular approaches are Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Imago Couples Therapy. Let's explore the differences between these approaches and how they can help couples.

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OCD, Diagnosis Laurel van der Toorn OCD, Diagnosis Laurel van der Toorn

Not Just Anxiety: What Is Pure-O OCD?

A lesser-known form of OCD is called "Pure-O" or Pure Obsessional OCD. It's often misunderstood and confused with anxiety. Let’s clarify Pure-O OCD and provide a better understanding of its unique traits. We'll also explain why it doesn't respond to conventional anxiety treatments.

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Couples and Relationships, Communication Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships, Communication Laurel van der Toorn

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.

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Self Care Laurel van der Toorn Self Care Laurel van der Toorn

10 Affordable Self-Care Ideas For Stressed Out Young Adults

Self-care is often reduced to images of extravagant spa days and lavish vacations. But true self-care goes much deeper than indulgent treats. It's about something far more essential: prioritizing yourself and setting boundaries. In a world that constantly demands your time and energy, that can be harder than it sounds.

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San Francisco, Self Care Laurel van der Toorn San Francisco, Self Care Laurel van der Toorn

18 Ways To Escape the Hustle Culture Trap in San Francisco

Whether you're coding your way through the night or crunching numbers in the Financial District, the pressure to excel is constant. While ambition and hard work are commendable, it's crucial to avoid falling prey to hustle culture. Let’s chat about how you can balance productivity and self-preservation in the City by the Bay.

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Couples and Relationships, Communication Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships, Communication Laurel van der Toorn

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.

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LGBTQ, Social Justice, LGBT Mental Health Laurel van der Toorn LGBTQ, Social Justice, LGBT Mental Health Laurel van der Toorn

Respectfully Asking Pronouns: Building a Trans-Inclusive Community

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is essential for building strong communities. No matter what you do or where you work, being respectful of people's gender identity is important. One simple yet powerful way to do this is by respectfully asking someone for their pronouns. Here's how to do so in a considerate manner, why it matters, and what to avoid so everyone feels seen and respected.

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Our Holistic Therapy Services In California & Florida

We offer individualized teletherapy for a wide range of mental health and relational issues. Our San Francisco & Los Angeles therapists can help with anxiety, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, LGBT gay and lesbian therapy issues, holistic therapy, enneagram therapy, therapy for lawyers, couples therapy, therapy for burnout, 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!