Sex is one of the most common reasons couples come to therapy. It makes sense, since it is one of the main ways we maintain intimacy and connection with our romantic partner. It is also a topic that is often laced with shame, isolation, expectations, and stigma. But regardless of the sexual problems that the relationship is experiencing, all couples seem to have the same question: Are we having enough sex? I want to share the research-backed answer with you so you can start enjoying more pleasure and less stress, today!

There are lots of unsolicited messages when you decide to have kids. “Your life will never be the same again,” they say. But what does that actually mean? Does it really change? As a mom of two and a psychotherapist who speaks to couples everyday on the other side of having kids I can confidently say, yes. Your relationship changes after having kids. But, I want you to understand one very important thing- it’s not always for the worse, and I will arm you with resources and tools to help you when it is.

Becoming a mom was a challenging transition for me, but becoming a mom of two really took a toll on my mental health. It took me a bit to realize that what I was experiencing was more than just the stress of having two tiny humans, but once I did I knew I couldn’t keep going without some help. Looking back, one of the hardest parts of admitting I was struggling with postpartum depression was saying those words out loud to my partner. Call it pride, call it stubborn determination to white knuckle my way through all of life’s challenges, call it shame, but I was resistant and downright scared to say the words. But once I did, I was able to access the support I needed.

Many couples are resistant to trying therapy. There is a misconception that if you require couples therapy then you must have a relationship that isn’t worth saving. But the reality is, no relationship is perfect. Every relationship is made up of imperfect individuals who are growing and learning. To embark on couples counselling is to say “I want to learn and grow together. Even if things feel difficult now, I believe we can get through this- and come out stronger than ever.”

While setting traditional New Year’s Eve Resolutions is perfectly fine, there is another option that can yield even greater results but is often overlooked-. setting New Year’s intentions as a couple. This might include personal goals where you enlist your partner to support you. Or, it might include hopes for your relationship, such as a desire to spend more quality time together, prioritize sexual intimacy, build more intellectual connection, or gain the skills to have healthier conflict and repair. Whatever the aim, I hope this article will inspire you to set intentions with your partner so you can enjoy a deeper, more connected, and more intentional relationship. 

Dating your spouse after becoming parents is definitely an adjustment. Before kids, my partner and I loved to go out on creative date nights. We were always hunting for the best comedy show, great concerts, and trivia nights at a local pub. But all this changed when we became parents. For a while, we gave up on dates all together. We accepted that this season of life just isn’t about romantic nights out together and more about surviving sleep deprivation and the endless piles of laundry. However, we soon realized that prioritizing connection in our relationship was important, whether or not we could actually leave the house.

The holidays are here and there is magic in the air. Peppermint hot chocolate, twinkly lights, and the stress of planning and spending time with your and your spouse’s family. Not everyone struggles with their extended family and in-laws around the holidays, but for many it can be a tricky season.

Do you ever find yourself putting off having challenging conversations with your spouse for fear of conflict, only to find yourself having the conversation out of the blue right before bed or while the kids are screaming during witching hour? I used to too, until I learned about Love Meetings.

Holidays have many hidden stresses for parents. For many of us, the societal pressure to deliver a “perfect” holiday can take hold, sometimes robbing us of the very joy that these perfect experiences were supposed to bring.

Setting and holding healthy boundaries with our romantic partners is one of the primary components of a fulfilling relationship, and yet, so many of us struggle with it.

Take moments of conflict with our spouse and use that point of friction as a starting place for greater understanding and intimacy.

Navigating relationships in the early years of parenthood can be challenging, something especially true the first year…….(one is) likely to experience resentment at some early point in their new parenting journey.