Blog
Articles & Resources
Here I post articles and practical exercises for couples who wish to improve their marriage or relationship.
Romantic Relationships are Complicated
“It shouldn’t be that complicated,” is a comment I hear frequently from struggling couples I work with, referring to marriage. But the reality is, marriage and romantic partnerships are very messy and complicated. Think about it, when you share a living space with...
The Best Relationship Advice We’ve Heard So Far This Year
Dear Followers, The world’s longest scientific study of happiness, conducted by Harvard researchers, shows that strong relationships keep us healthier and happier. This references all types of relationships – friends, family, romantic, work colleagues – regardless of...
FINDING ANSWERS IN FURRY PLACES
Most days, I feel like I’ve seen and heard all there is to know when it comes to relationships. I have been a therapist for decades, after all. Then there are days that completely turn me around and remind me there’s still room for awe and surprise. One of my female...
What Goes Around Comes Around: The Ripple Effect of Generosity
The critical role of generosity in personal and professional success It turns out humans are wired to be kind and giving to each other. Generosity as a practice may be cultivated everyday. The word generous isn’t the first word that comes to mind when someone talks...
RECOGNIZING DYSFUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Today’s Advice Highlights How does a relationship become dysfunctional? What are the common red flags to watch out for? Is calling it quits the best course of action to recover from a toxic relationship? When we start a new relationship, we put most of our attention...
HOLDING SPACE FOR EACH OTHER WHEN YOU’RE BOTH HURTING
In a recent session, one of my patients said something that many of us, not just therapists, have heard many times: “We love each other, but…” It’s not hard to imagine the statements that follow the “but.” In my patient’s case they were: We can’t help poking each...
Dr. Deb’s 5 Recommendations For How to Best Deal With Separation and Divorce
Many of you have asked me how to cope with the pain of marital separation and the impending possibility of divorce. Without question, marital separation and divorce are among the toughest life experiences. The good news is that there are ways to manage the loss and...
ROLLING OUT THE DEAR DR. DEB ADVICE COLUMN
Dear Dr. Deb. As a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist specializing in interpersonal relationships, it makes sense that people who are struggling would seek out my professional services – especially when they are hurting. Through my decades of experience, I’ve...
MOTHER’S DAY – IS EVERY DAY
If you ask people what their favorite holiday is, the answers range from Thanksgiving, to Christmas, to their birthdays. I have never heard anyone respond with “My favorite holiday is Mother’s Day.” Honestly, Everyday should be Mother’s Day. I cannot think of a more...
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