Halloween is right around the corner, and with it comes the annual debate: “Aren’t you a little too old to be trick-or-treating?” But why are we so quick to cut off teenagers from the magic of Halloween? Who decided that there’s an age cutoff for fun? When teens are constantly encouraged to grow up fast, holding onto a little piece of childhood isn’t just OK—it's beneficial, even essential.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, many of us feel a sense of excitement about the fall season. Personally, it’s my favorite time of year. However, the beauty of autumn comes with cyclical stressors. Shorter daylight hours, cold and flu season, after-school activities, and prepping for the holidays are just a few examples of stressors that, while normal, can quickly become overwhelming and require mindful management in order to enjoy the season.

One of the most significant hurdles couples face is having mismatched values. When career aspirations, family priorities, financial beliefs, or even spiritual views differ, misunderstandings and conflicts arise that are tough to navigate. Tough, but not hopeless.

One day during a session with my therapist I said, “It’s like I’m a light on a dimmer. I’m not completely dark, but I’m dimmed and it’s hard to see things brightly.” I was a mom to a toddler and infant and was experiencing a profound and relentless disconnection from myself. I loved my family. I loved the life I had created. I was successful, had purpose, and had joy. Yet I was also sad and mourning a version of myself that was no longer allowed to exist. I was, in many ways, a stranger to myself and longed to reclaim my essence - who I was outside of “mom.”

Can a marriage survive without sex? It’s not uncommon for marriages to struggle with intimacy, leaving many wondering if it’s a sign that their marriage is in trouble. So, let's explore the complexities of intimacy and see if a sexless marriage is doomed or salvageable.

Motherhood is a series of changes, each stage bringing its own blend of challenges and joys. Today marks a significant milestone — my youngest child's last day of preschool. It's bittersweet, this transition from the familiar rhythm of early childhood to the new adventures the years ahead will bring.

Summer break is here, and with it comes the pressure for moms to create a season of non-stop fun and exciting memories for their kids. Social media bombards us with the message that "you only get 18 summers," adding to the stress and guilt if we don't make every moment extraordinary. It's like the pressure around the winter holidays, but instead of tree lightings and Santa magic, it's beach trips and summer camps.

This one's for the good dads out there. The ones who step up, show up, and redefine what it means to be a father in today’s world. You're the partners who share the mental load, the fathers who know how to care for your kids without missing a beat, and the men who never treat fatherhood like “daddy daycare.” Let’s take a moment to celebrate you and all that you do.

Can marriage counseling make things worse? It's a question I often get and one that makes a lot of sense. I mean, why do it if it could be bad, right? So let's talk about the potential risks and rewards of diving into therapy for your marriage.

Asking about media recommendations facilitates finding common ground without delving too deep too quickly, yet it’s more meaningful than surface-level pleasantries. Steer the conversation toward shared interests, making it easier to connect on a more personal level.

Grounding techniques help manage symptoms of stress by turning your attention away from thoughts, memories, or worries, and refocusing on the present moment. During the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise, you actively engage each of your senses to ground yourself. This method is based on established principles of mindfulness and sensory awareness, which have been shown to effectively reduce stress and manage anxiety.

Aging is not just about the physical transformation; it's a mental and emotional journey towards accepting ourselves fully. Let’s celebrate our diverse journeys with aging, recognizing that while the path is universal, each experience is unique. Remember, you're gorgeous - don't let yourself tell you otherwise.

While the 'roommate syndrome' can be a challenging phase in a relationship, it's not a dead end but rather a call to action.

The 4 L's of the Anger Iceberg encourage us to dive beneath the surface of our anger to uncover the rich, complex world of emotions and needs that drive us.

The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember the self-compassion break. It's a moment of kindness and understanding that you owe to yourself.

The 3 P's for Better Mornings highlight that it's not just our actions that matter, but also our mindset.

The 5 F's for Successful Relationships remind us that successful relationships are built on a foundation of open communication, laughter, friendship, shared values, and intimacy. It's about embracing both the sweet and sour moments and growing together.