Life By Design Therapy

  Clarity is one of the most underrated forms of love. Not flowers. Not grand gestures. (Even though these are nice) But someone asking, 🗣 “What did you mean by that?” 🗣 “Can you help me understand?” 🗣 “Did I hear you right?” That’s emotional safety in action. That’s someone showing: “I care enough to slow down, stay with you, and get it right.” So often in relationships, we assume. We fill in the blanks with our own fears or stories. And without even realizing it, we start reacting. But I want you to know: ✨ Good communication isn’t about saying the perfect thing. ✨ It’s about staying present long enough to hear what was actually said. ✨ And it’s about being willing to clarify, not correct. Because when clarity is the goal instead of defense, we create a space where both people can feel seen and safe. Emotional safety is created by staying kind, curious, and clear through it. ❤️ If you would like more support in navigating miscommunication and building real connection? Read ...

  June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. At Life by Design Therapy, we pride ourselves on being culturally sensitive and inclusive of people from all backgrounds. We believe every person should have a safe and supportive space and provide therapy for all! Click the link in our bio to learn more ! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-phone-consultation

  If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your partner, it’s not always about the big arguments. Sometimes, it’s the little things, or the lack of them, that start to add up. Here’s what I’ve learned, as a couples therapist , about how small, intentional gestures can bring you closer: Write a love letter. It sounds old-fashioned, but nothing says “I care” like expressing your love in writing. It can completely shift how you connect emotionally. Plan an activity they’ve always wanted to try. You don’t have to do something extravagant, but trying something new together fosters connection and excitement. Cook their favorite meal. It’s the small gestures that show you’re paying attention and care about their happiness. Food can be a great way to show love. End the day with a relaxing massage. A moment of physical connection at the end of the day can melt away stress and deepen emotional intimacy. These small, intentional acts can make a huge difference and remind you both of the love ...

  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...

  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...

  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/

  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...