Posts

Couples Therapist in Richmond California

Image
  It didn’t happen all at once. One day, you’re staying up late talking about everything and nothing, and the next, it feels like all you ever talk about is the calendar, the kids, and what’s for dinner. You still care about each other, but the emotional intimacy? The passion? The feeling of being seen ? That all feels far away now. If you're sitting with the ache of feeling disconnected from your partner, like you're more like roommates than lovers, I understand. As a couples therapist, I see this so often. And while it may feel confusing or hopeless, this shift is more common and more repairable than you think. You’re not broken. Your relationship isn’t doomed. What you’re feeling is a signal. When life gets busy, connection can take a backseat. But with intention, communication, and a willingness to show up for each other in small ways again, that spark can come back. Not exactly like it was in the beginning, but deeper, more grounded, more real. If you’re ready to rebuild...

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

Image
  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. ๐Ÿ’ซ https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

Therapy for Couples in California

Image
  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. ๐Ÿ’š https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/marriage-counseling

Happy Memorial Day!

Image
  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

Image
  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: ๐Ÿ”ธ Why so many couples shift from lovers to roommates ๐Ÿ”ธ The real reasons behind the disconnection ๐Ÿ”ธ 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. ๐Ÿงก 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