Blending Finances as a Couple: A Real-Life Look at the Emotional Side

Couple discussing finances with text: "Blending Finances as a Couple" from a St. Louis area couples therapist near Wentzville, MO.

If you’ve been running your finances on your own for years, teaming up with your partner and combining finances can feel like a pretty big deal. It’s not just about the money.  It’s about trust, giving up a little independence, and figuring out how to work as a team in a whole new way. This … Read more

Navigating Major Life Transitions as a Couple

Close up of couple holding hands, with text "Navigating Major Life Transitions as a Couple" from a Lake St. Louis marriage counselor and couples therapist.

“My partner and I have a conflict on the timeline of pregnancy.”  When you and your partner face a disagreement about the timing of pregnancy—or any other major life milestone—it can feel overwhelming. These conversations often touch on deeply personal values, dreams, and fears, making them complex and emotionally charged. If you’re navigating this type … Read more

Navigating the Shift: How Your Relationship with Your Partner Changes After Baby

Mom, Dad, and baby, snuggled in bed together with text "Navigating the Shift How Your Relationship with Your Partner Changes After Baby" written by a maternal mental health therapist in St. Louis, MO. Get postpartum therapy in Ballwin, or Lake St. Louis, MO with a postpartum specialist here!

The moment your baby arrives, everything shifts—especially your relationship with your partner. While you’ve probably heard that “nothing prepares you for the change,” there’s truth in the idea that the relationship dynamics are about to change in new and surprising ways. You’re both stepping into uncharted territory as parents and while it can be overwhelming, … Read more

“They Didn’t Cheat, But…”: Impact of Emotional Infidelity

Man with head against the wall, woman looking upset. Text "They Didn't Cheat, But... Impact of Emotional Infidelity" blog post by STL couples therapists in Ballwin, MO and Wentzville, MO. Get help for betrayal trauma and infidelity here.

As therapists specializing in relationship issues and betrayal trauma, we often encounter clients grappling with a form of infidelity that doesn’t involve physical cheating but can be just as devastating: emotional infidelity. This type of betrayal, while sometimes less tangible, can leave deep scars and shatter trust in ways that are just as profound as … Read more

Navigating the Holidays in the Face of Betrayal Trauma

Group of family members around a table over the holidays with text "Navigating the Holidays in the Face of Betrayal Trauma" from a Ballwin, MO therapist

The holiday season can be a challenging time for many, but for those grappling with betrayal trauma, it can feel particularly overwhelming. If you’re facing the aftermath of infidelity, sex addiction, or porn addiction in your relationship, know that you’re not alone. As a trainee of Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialist (APSATS), … Read more

Surviving the Holidays as a Couple: A Guide to Balancing Love, Family, and Festivities

Photos of happy families over the holidays. How to Survive the Holidays as a Couple is a blog by St. Louis, MO couples therapists in Ballwin, MO here.

The holiday season isn’t just about decking the halls and wrapping gifts—it kicks off well before Christmas, starting with Halloween’s spooky fun and rolling into Thanksgiving’s feast. And let’s not forget, in a city like St. Louis, there are plenty of local events and traditions to consider, from Boo at the Zoo to the Polar … Read more

Fandom and Family: Self-Care and Staying Present

Photo of a father and son racing in the yard with text "Fandom and Family Self-Care and Staying Present"

It’s that time of year again—when sports fans are living their best lives. The NFL is in full swing, baseball playoffs are heating up, and if you’re like me, you’re trying to catch every WNBA game because, let’s be real, they’re absolutely crushing it. Oh, and let’s not forget the latest buzz—Taylor Swift showing up … Read more

Infidelity and Mental Health: Navigating Emotional Turbulence

Wooden rings stacked on each other with text "Infidelity and Mental Health: Navigating Emotional Turbulence with a STL Couples Therapist near West County, MO.

Infidelity can shatter the foundation of trust and intimacy in a relationship, leaving both partners grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and psychological challenges. As a St. Louis couples therapist serving the communities of West County, including Ballwin, Chesterfield, and Frontenac, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact infidelity can have on mental health. This betrayal … Read more