Life is full of transitions — the moments between what was and what’s next. These “liminal spaces” can feel uncertain, even unsettling. They’re like standing in a hallway between two rooms, or waiting in an airport during a layover. You’re neither here nor...
As we enter a new year, it’s the perfect time to invest in your relationship and deepen your connection with your partner. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your bond, rediscover friendship, or simply learn new tools to navigate life’s challenges together,...
As we step into 2025, it’s easy to get swept up in the wave of resolutions and to-do lists. But here at Core Values Counseling, we’re taking a different approach. This year, we’re focusing on meaningful connections, intentional moments, and creating...
Recognizing that your partner may be experiencing depression is the first step. But what comes next? It can feel overwhelming to know how to help someone you love when they’re struggling. While every situation is unique, these steps can offer a compassionate...
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many, but it can also bring about or amplify feelings of depression. If your partner seems to be struggling, recognizing the signs early can be crucial to supporting them through a tough time. Depression...
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the myriad of tasks and expectations that accompany this time of year. From finding the perfect gifts to organizing festive gatherings, the pressure to create a flawless holiday experience...
The holiday season often brings contrasting emotions. While one partner may be ready to deck the halls, the other may feel weighed down by grief, anxiety, or past trauma tied to this time of year. This emotional mismatch can be challenging for couples to...
In my last post, we discussed how becoming a grandparent is a transformative journey, filled with joy and opportunities for deep connection. One of the most rewarding aspects is shaping and nurturing family traditions that build a legacy of warmth and love....
This one is for the grandparents, especially the newly minted ones. Buckle up. Because the holidays are here, and we all know that means more time with our beloved families. Becoming a grandparent is a joyful and transformative experience. But with the joy...
Relationships are deeply affected by the emotional and mental well-being of each partner. Challenges like anxiety, ADHD, and anger management don’t just affect the individual — they also ripple through the relationship. In my last blog post, I shared how...
In relationships, it’s common for one partner to feel anxious while the other seems calmer — or for one partner to operate at a slower pace while the other is always on the go. These differences can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and emotional...
In relationships, our words carry immense weight. The way we talk about our partners, whether to them or others, has a profound impact — not only on our partner but on ourselves, our relationship, and even those around us. Think of it as choosing the lens...
In the world of love, sometimes the smallest gestures create the most profound effects, and kissing is a perfect example. Research into the neurobiology of couples shows that kissing isn’t just a romantic act — it’s a powerful chemical experience that connects...
It’s fascinating to think about what happens in the brain when we’re in love. With advances in neuroimaging like fMRI, researchers like Daniel Siegel can actually observe how the brain “lights up” in response to love — activating in ways similar to the effects...
As those of you with kids settle into the new school year, I’ve been sharing some gentle parenting-inspired advice to help your family have a smoother, less stressful fall. So far, we’ve talked about attachment and transitions, rituals and emotions, how to help...
Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared some gentle parenting insights to help you and your kids have an easier start to the school year. We talked about attachment and transitions, rituals and emotions, and how to help your kids navigate anxiety. But let’s be...
Recently, I shared with you some gentle parenting tips for an easier start to the school year, focusing on attachment and transitions, as well as rituals and emotions. While these tools can be helpful, there’s almost no getting around the elephant in the room:...
In my last post, I shared some suggestions on gentle parenting for making the start of the school year easier. I explained how attachment is key to gentle parenting and how preparing for big transitions can help honor that attachment while also fostering...
Can you believe it’s almost the end of September? If you’re a parent with kids at home, you’re likely a couple weeks into the new school year (at least, you are if you’re in the Portland, Oregon area!). I hope you’ve found your groove and that the transition...
In the rush of daily life, couples can sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture. We get caught up in to-do lists, work responsibilities, and other demands. But just like a business thrives on having a vision and a plan for the future, so does a relationship. It’s...
