When most people think about intelligence, they picture IQ scores, logic, or problem-solving. But emotional intelligence-the ability to name, understand, and express your emotions effectively-can be just as important. Especially when it comes to your relationships, mental health, and personal growth. And if you're in therapy (or considering it), emotional intelligence is often the skill that turns insight into real change....[ read more ]
"Man up." It's a phrase loaded with meaning-one that most men have heard since childhood. Behind it is a cultural script about how men are supposed to handle life: be strong, be silent, handle it alone while being there for others. As a therapist who works with men, I've sat with many who have internalized this message so deeply that they no...[ read more ]
Some men are raised to be kind, supportive, and emotionally attuned. They're the ones who notice when others are uncomfortable, who pick up on tension in the room, who try to fix what feels broken in their relationships. At first glance, this might seem ideal-what partner wouldn't want someone emotionally aware and caring? But under the surface, these good traits...[ read more ]
You're the kind of guy who doesn't want to cause problems. You've probably been told you're thoughtful, a good listener, maybe even "the calm one" in the relationship. You try to keep things peaceful and avoid being a burden. You don't ask for much. But lately, something feels off. You feel disconnected. You're not sure how to bring it up....[ read more ]
Anger gets a bad reputation. It's loud, explosive, sometimes destructive. But underneath the surface, anger is often a cover-a shield protecting more vulnerable emotions men rarely feel safe to name. As a therapist, I meet a lot of men who don't come in saying "I feel sad" or "I feel hurt." They say: "I'm angry all the time. I'm snapping...[ read more ]
You’ve started therapy, and even though your therapist told you that change happens slowly, you’re wondering when you’re actually going to feel better. Maybe things were improving for a time, and your sessions felt cathartic, and you developed new insights. Perhaps your progress led to a place where your issues feel stable, but now your sessions are boring, and you...[ read more ]
Dry January is a popular tradition among some drinkers, and its health benefits are numerous and unsurprising. Few drinkers are unaware that alcohol is “bad for you”. It’s widely publicized that the substance interferes with sleep, causes weight gain, has carcinogenic properties, and carries a risk of dependency for some who partake. Enter Dry January: a self-imposed challenge to not...[ read more ]
Self-efficacy is a concept in psychology defined as the belief that one is able to make the changes necessary to be successful in producing certain desired results. It’s a representation of confidence in one’s ability to move toward one’s goals and create positive change. It also reflects a positive relationship with self, and knowledge that you are someone that you...[ read more ]
Why EMDR Isn't Just for Trauma Survivors You might not think of yourself as someone with "trauma." Maybe you've never been to war, survived a major accident, or experienced violence. But you can still carry emotional injuries that shape how you respond to life - how you react in relationships, how you handle pressure, how quickly you shut down when...[ read more ]
Attachment Therapy for Real-Life Relationships You might find yourself pulling away when someone gets too close, or becoming anxious when they don't respond the way you hoped - feeling less secure in the relationship. These patterns didn't come out of nowhere. They often trace back to the way we first learned to connect, protect ourselves, and get our needs met....[ read more ]