This group is for women who have been formally diagnosed or self-diagnosed with PMDD, are currently working with an individual therapist, or have prior experience with psychotherapy, and who are ready to explore the experience of PMDD in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment. I hope to have six people in the group before we begin. We will meet weekly for...
[caption id="attachment_7769" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo by Ashley Byrd on Unsplash[/caption] In "The Hurt Locker," we watch Staff Sergeant William James defusing bombs with cool precision under extreme pressure. Yet in the film's final sequence, this same decisive expert freezes in the cereal aisle of a suburban supermarket, overwhelmed by dozens of practically indistinguishable choices. This moment captures a...
This month, our featured associate is Elizabeth Dausch. One of her primary modalities is Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and in this blog, she offers an insightful introduction to how it works and why it matters. You can also learn more about Elizabeth from our Conversations with Clinicians Interview. As a therapist, I’m continually struck by how many tools and...
Emotional boundaries are often the most subtle—and most essential—part of maintaining healthy open or polyamorous relationships. While physical boundaries (like time, touch, or space) are more tangible, emotional boundaries define your inner world: your values, your energy, your self-respect, and your emotional safety. In polyamorous dynamics, it’s easy for emotional boundaries to blur. You may feel pulled between multiple people’s...
Jealousy is one of the most emotionally charged topics in relationships. It’s a word that can stir up shame, fear, defensiveness, or guilt—especially in polyamorous and non-monogamous dynamics, where freedom and trust are central values. Many people believe that if they were truly "evolved" or "secure," they wouldn’t feel jealous at all. But that’s not how emotions work—and it’s not...
Polyamory and other forms of ethical non-monogamy are often portrayed as progressive, inclusive, and liberatory. But for many queer and BIPOC individuals, the experience of navigating polyamory can still be deeply shaped by systemic oppression, cultural invisibility, and marginalization—even within communities that consider themselves open-minded. If you're queer and/or BIPOC and exploring non-monogamy, you may find yourself wrestling with layers...
For many people, the path to understanding their relationship orientation isn’t linear. You might be in a monogamous relationship but find yourself wondering about other possibilities. Or maybe you've always felt that monogamy doesn't quite fit—but you’re unsure whether that means you’re polyamorous, simply open to exploration, or somewhere else on the spectrum. It’s common to feel uncertainty, curiosity, even...
Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, self-respect, and emotional well-being. When someone disregards your boundaries, it can lead to stress, resentment, and even toxic relationships. However, many people struggle to recognize boundary violations until they’ve already caused harm. Learn more about therapy for communication and boundaries Here are 35 clear signs that someone may be crossing your boundaries—emotionally,...
Boundaries and communication are two of the most critical components of healthy relationships, yet they are also among the most misunderstood. Many people struggle with setting clear personal boundaries, while others find it difficult to communicate their needs effectively. To clarify some of the most common concerns, we've gathered insights from therapists to answer frequently asked questions about boundaries and...
Are You an Empath, an HSP, or Codependent? Why It Matters If you often find yourself emotionally drained by other people’s moods, feeling responsible for fixing their distress, or struggling to separate your own emotions from those around you, you may have been told you’re an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), an empath, or codependent. While these terms are often used...