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Showing posts from May, 2025

Healthy Relationship

  Emotional safety is the foundation of every healthy relationship. When we feel emotionally safe with our partner, we feel heard, valued, and respected , even in the hardest moments. It’s knowing that you can share your deepest fears, your frustrations, or your vulnerable truths without fear of judgment or rejection. Without emotional safety, it’s easy for walls to go up. We might start protecting ourselves by withdrawing, avoiding tough conversations, or shutting down, because we’re afraid of being misunderstood or hurt. But when emotional safety is present, it creates space for true intimacy. You can disagree without attacking. You can share your insecurities without fear of being dismissed. And most importantly, you can grow together rather than apart. If you’re feeling disconnected, it may be time to assess how emotionally safe you feel in your relationship. Is there room for both of you to be open, honest, and vulnerable without feeling threatened? If not, it’s never too l...

Feeling Misunderstood

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  It’s hard when it feels like your partner just isn’t getting you. Feeling misunderstood isn’t just frustrating, it can run deeper. It touches your sense of emotional safety and connection. It can feel like you’re living in two different worlds, speaking two different languages. And even when you’re trying to communicate, the distance can quietly grow. That feeling can create a barrier that makes it harder to feel secure and supported in your relationship. When emotional safety starts to slip, it’s not just the arguments that sting, the quiet space between them can feel just as heavy. The good news is, it’s possible to shift from feeling misunderstood to reconnecting, and that starts with understanding why the disconnect happens in the first place. 💫 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

Therapy for Couples in California

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  I’ve seen it happen so many times…two people who love each other deeply but feel stuck in the same painful patterns. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do we keep having the same argument?” or “Why does it feel like we’re speaking different languages?” , it’s okay. If communication feels unsafe, or misunderstandings are building into resentment, it might be time to get some extra support. Therapy isn’t about deciding who’s right or wrong, it’s about finding your way back to each other. Here are 4 signs that couples therapy could be a beneficial step: The Same Arguments Keep Happening: If you’re rehashing the same issues without any resolution, therapy can provide fresh insights into what’s really going on underneath. Communication Feels Unsafe or One-Sided: When you feel emotionally unsafe or unheard, it’s hard to build a connection. A therapist can help facilitate these conversations in a safe space. Emotional Distance Turns into Resentment: Unresolved misunderstandings often lea...

Couple Therapy in Richmond

  Have you ever looked at your partner and thought — we love each other but it feels like we’re just coexisting ? Same house. Same schedule. Same routines. But the spark has dwindled. If this is you, I want you to know that you’re not failing. You’re human. Life gets loud. Connection gets quiet. But it doesn’t mean it’s gone, it just means it needs your attention again. These reflection questions are a starting place. A way to say, "Hey, I miss us.” Save this post and reflect on these questions when you have space to do so. You’re worth the effort. 💚 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/marriage-counseling

Happy Memorial Day!

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  Today, we honor and remember those who gave everything. Life By Design Therapy ™ stands in gratitude for their sacrifice and holds space for all who carry their memories. Happy Memorial Day! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

Relationship Tips for Couples

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  You love each other, but it feels like something’s missing. You’re doing all the things; managing the schedules, handling the stress, keeping the house (and maybe the kids) afloat. But the question, “Where did we go?” keeps rising to the surface. The spark that used to feel effortless now takes intention. And you might be wondering, is this just what happens over time? I want you to know it doesn’t have to be, and you’re not stuck, even if it feels that way sometimes. My latest blog dives into: 🔸 Why so many couples shift from lovers to roommates 🔸 The real reasons behind the disconnection 🔸 What healing can actually look like (yes, even now) This isn’t about blame; it’s about understanding what happened and how to gently find your way back to each other. 🧡 Read the full post through the link in my bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/how-to-reconnect-when-you-and-your-partner-feel-like-strangers

Mental Health Awareness Month

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  May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 🧠 We’re living in a world that never slows down, and honestly… It can be a lot . Between the daily stress, endless noise, and pressure to "keep it together," taking care of your mental health isn't just important… it's essential. This month is about more than just awareness, it’s about breaking the stigma , speaking up, and making space for real conversations. Because no one should feel alone in what they’re going through. 💚 So here’s the question: What’s one thing you do to care for your mental health? Drop it in the comments. You might just inspire someone else to try it too. 💬👇 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

Happy World Meditation Day

  It’s World Meditation Day, but let’s talk about why that actually matters. Meditation isn’t about sitting perfectly still or trying to “clear your mind.” It’s about slowing down enough to notice what’s really going on, inside your body, your breath, your thoughts. Your body holds stress, stories, tension, emotions, even the ones you thought you’d moved past. And sometimes, what your body needs most is for you to pause and listen. That’s the magic of the mind-body connection. It’s what helps you come back to yourself when life feels like too much. At Life By Design Therapy™ , we use somatic and holistic practices to help people reconnect with their bodies and feel safe in their skin again, because healing isn’t just in your head. It’s in your nervous system, your breath, your being. So if today feels like the right day to check in with yourself… start small. Take a breath. Feel your feet on the floor. Notice how you’re really doing. That is the practice. And you don’t have to ...

Relationship Counseling

  Ever wonder why certain patterns keep showing up in your relationships? You might be carrying the effects of unhealed emotional neglect, and it’s impacting how you connect with others. Here are 4 ways unhealed emotional neglect can show up in your relationships as an adult: 1️⃣ You struggle to express emotions. If you weren’t taught to recognize or express your feelings growing up, you might find it hard to communicate your needs or connect emotionally with others. 2️⃣ You avoid emotional intimacy. When emotional neglect is part of your past, opening up and letting someone get close can feel too vulnerable, so you keep your walls up to protect yourself. 3️⃣ You have a fear of conflict or rejection. If your emotional needs were ignored or dismissed in the past, you might fear that expressing your needs now will lead to rejection, conflict, or abandonment. 4️⃣ You feel distant in relationships. Even if you care about someone, emotional neglect can create a sense of detachment o...

In-Person Sessions in Berkeley California

  I know what it feels like to wake up and immediately feel the weight of the world pressing down. The uncertainty, the unpredictability…it can make even the simplest decisions feel overwhelming. So many of us are carrying an undercurrent of fear and vulnerability, whether it’s about personal rights, financial stability, or the overall state of the world. Here’s the good news, there are ways to navigate these fears and regain a sense if security. Here are 5 steps you can start with… 👉🏽 Regulate Your Nervous System: Before tackling external stressors, it’s essential to bring your body back to a place of balance. 👉🏽 Set Boundaries with News & Social Media: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to distressing news can heighten anxiety and leave you feeling powerless. The key is to find a balance that keeps you aware without overwhelming your nervous system. 👉🏽 Anchor Yourself in Community: Fear thrives in isolation, making challenges feel even more overwhelm...

Mental Health Tips

  I know how overwhelming it can feel when the world around you seems unstable, whether it’s due to finances, personal rights, or social unrest. That uncertainty can be exhausting, making it hard to feel secure in your own life. But I want to remind you that you are not powerless. Taking small, intentional steps can help you build resilience and create a sense of stability, even in difficult times. Here’s where you can start: 🌻 Build Financial Resilience: If financial instability is a concern, start by creating a budget that prioritizes essentials. Even setting aside small amounts for an emergency fund can create a buffer against unexpected expenses and reduce financial stress over time. Look into local resources, grants, or assistance programs that may provide support. 🌻 Know Your Rights and Protections: If personal rights feel threatened, take the time to research legal protections that apply to your situation. Understanding your rights at work, in your community, or in l...

Talk Therapy Services Near Me

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  I know how overwhelming it can feel when the world seems unpredictable. 🌍 When everything feels uncertain, it’s natural to feel anxious, ungrounded, or even powerless. But you don’t have to stay stuck in that place of uncertainty. I’m here to remind you that small, intentional steps can help you feel more secure, even in the chaos. You are allowed to feel safe and supported, especially when things feel unstable. 💚 What tips would you give to someone who is struggling with uncertainty right now? Drop your comments below! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

Individual Therapy

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  The world feels uncertain right now, and it’s completely normal to feel unsettled. When everything around us feels unstable, it can be hard to find a sense of security. But it’s possible to regain your footing with small, intentional steps. In our latest blog, we share 5 simple strategies to help you feel more grounded and secure…even when the world feels like it's shifting beneath you. You don’t have to navigate this alone. It is possible to feel safe, supported, and empowered, no matter what’s going on around you. 💙 Check out the full blog to learn how to regulate your nervous system, set boundaries, connect with community, and more. Click the link in bio to read more. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-blog

Therapy Service in Berkeley California

  Did you know that many of us have experienced emotional neglect at some point in our lives? If it’s left unhealed it can leave you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to navigate relationships and emotions. Emotional neglect can also manifest in various ways like struggling to express feelings, avoiding intimacy, or you may feel like a burden when you need support. It can create lasting patterns that affect your self-worth and ability to trust others, as well. The good news is that with awareness and the right support, healing is possible. Taking steps towards understanding and addressing these wounds can help you reconnect with yourself and others, fostering a sense of safety, self-compassion, and deeper connection. You don’t have to carry the weight of emotional neglect alone and therapy can offer the space to heal and rebuild from within. At Life By Design Therapy ™, we offer a compassionate space to explore and heal from these wounds, and reclaim your emotion...

Social Media Boundaries

  I know how heavy the world can feel right now. When every headline adds to the weight on your shoulders, it’s easy to spiral into overwhelm. But constant exposure to distressing news doesn’t make you more informed, it just drains your energy and leaves you feeling powerless. Setting boundaries around your media intake isn’t avoidance; it’s self-preservation . You can stay aware without sacrificing your well-being. Consider: Setting Clear News Consumption Boundaries: Designate specific times for checking news updates instead of consuming them throughout the day. Limiting exposure can help reduce stress and allow you to stay present. Filtering and Choose Your Information Sources Wisely : Follow journalists and media outlets that focus on constructive or solutions-based reporting. This can help to shift your perspective from feelings of helplessness to awareness and action. Taking Intentional Social Media Breaks: When content becomes overwhelming, step away. Engage in offline acti...

Life by Design Therapy

  I know how easy it is to dismiss your own emotional needs, especially if you've spent years feeling like they didn't matter. But healing from emotional neglect starts with recognizing that your feelings are valid and deserving of care. Your past may have shaped your patterns, but it doesn’t define your ability to grow, heal, and build the meaningful connections you deserve. Here are some steps toward healing: Acknowledge Your Experience : Recognizing and validating that what you went through was emotional neglect is the first step toward healing. Understanding that your emotions and experiences are real can help you move forward with self-compassion. Set Boundaries : Learning to recognize and communicate your emotional needs is essential. Setting boundaries with those who drain your energy or dismiss your feelings allows you to create space for relationships that nurturing and respectful Consider Therapy : A therapist trained in attachment theory or somatic healing approache...