When it comes to relationships, no two are alike. Some things work for some relationships that may not necessarily work for others. Whatever the dynamic of your relationship may be, it is important to be able to assess when relationship red flags are present. These are some examples of red flags in a relationship to look out for. Relationship Red Flags: Controlling Behaviors Controlling behaviors in relationships can be present in many aspects, such as dictating who the other

So, You Just Found Out About Your Partner’s Affair. What Now? Finding out that your partner has had an affair can turn your entire world upside down. Maybe you discovered messages on their phone. Maybe someone told you what was happening. Maybe your partner finally admitted something you had suspected for months. However you found out, the moment everything changes can leave you feeling as though the ground has disappeared beneath your feet. You might feel angry, heartbroken,

Being excluded isn't fun. It makes people feel insecure and question their value. For a lot of people that sting never really fades, it just turns into people-pleasing, overcompensating, and slowly abandoning themselves to keep everyone else happy. It is one of the most common threads we see in the women's therapy we offer at Caring Conversations Therapeutic Services, and it quietly runs far more of our decisions than most of us would like to admit. What does people-pleasing

When people hear the words domestic violence, they often picture physical injuries and abuse. But domestic abuse isn't always visible. Sometimes, it looks like constantly questioning yourself, feeling afraid of your partner's reaction, or apologizing for things you don't understand or think you should be apologizing for. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, making it an important time to talk about the many forms abuse can take, including emotional and psychological

Gaslighting 101: Identifying True Manipulation vs. Common Misunderstandings Gaslighting, a form of psychological abuse, has gained increasing attention in discussions about mental health and domestic violence. This manipulative tactic can have devastating effects on an individual’s well-being, often leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and even substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Understanding gaslighting is crucial for recognizing and addressing this insidious form of emotiona

Divorce changes a family structure, but it does not have to destroy a child’s sense of security.

*Partners, someone you're dating, significant others, etc. How to Show Up with Care, Respect, and Understanding When your partner has experienced sexual assault—whether recently or in the past—it can be incredibly difficult to know how to help. You may feel heartbroken, angry, protective, or even unsure of what to say. All of those reactions are valid. But what matters most is this: Your presence, patience, and willingness to understand can play a powerful role in your partne

Valentine’s Day Journal Prompts for Deeper Connection (With Yourself and Others) Valentine’s Day often comes with a lot of noise—pressure to feel a certain way, expectations around romance, and comparison that can leave many people feeling disconnected or “behind.” Whether you’re partnered, single, newly dating, or married for years, Valentine’s Day can be a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect. Journaling is one of the simplest, most powerful forms of self-care. It cr

Please note, this blog is written and maintained by non-clinical staff. Therefore, the contents should be taken as psychoeducation and entertainment only. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or 911 for emergencies. Couples experiencing burnout don't have the capacity for connection. Date nights are often recommended for couples looking to reconnect. And that's great! Date nights can help you feel refreshed, restore, and in love again with your par

Please note that this blog is written by non-clinical staff. The information contained in this blog should be taken as psycheducation and opinion only and not as medical or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing crisis call 988 or 911. If you've been partnered up for more than five minutes, you're probably heard of the 5 Love Languages. If not, in a nutshell the concept of the love languages was popularized by Gary Chapman's (book) , The 5 Love Languages. Essentiall

Please note, this blog is written and maintained by non-clinical staff. Therefore, the contents of this blog should be taken as psychoeducation and opinion only, and not as medical or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 or 911 for immediate assistance. Our practice, Caring Conversations, is owned by a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). So we feel passionately for couple's therapy. Couple's therapy can be misunderstood

Note, I am not a therapist. I am Director for Caring Conversations, and have years of social work experience, but I'm also just a mom with an opinion to blog about. This article is intended to spark discussion in your homes and for psychoeducational purposes only. This blog does not constitute or replace therapy. If you're a parent on social media, it's that time of year. You know what I mean: mom/parent guilt but with a holiday twist - letting your kids believe in Santa is l

{As always, please note that I (Kaitlyn) am not a therapist. I have 12+ years in the social work field, however, and lived experience as both a 30-something and a Mom who has struggled with making friends.} Being a parent is hard, right? After my first, and especially after my second (a surprise COVID baby), I was shocked at how challenging motherhood was. I have always been an introvert, with only a few close friends at a time, but after becoming a parent (which for me incl