Conflict is a natural part of any close relationship. However, how couples navigate these conflicts often determines the health and longevity of their bond. Dr. John Gottman, a leading researcher and therapist in the field of relationships, identified four particularly destructive communication patterns that predict relationship breakdown with startling accuracy. He named these the “Four … Read more
Every relationship faces challenges, but how couples handle conflict can determine whether their bond grows stronger or begins to unravel. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, identified four destructive communication behaviors he calls the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” These behaviors—Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt, and Stonewalling—are powerful predictors of relationship breakdown when left unchecked. What … Read more
You’ve said yes. Or maybe you’re thinking about saying yes.You’re planning a wedding—or maybe just planning a life together. You love each other. You communicate pretty well. You’ve had a few fights, sure, but nothing alarming. You want to go into marriage with intention—and someone mentioned pre-marital therapy. You’re intrigued. But if you’re honest… you’re … Read more
Exploring Boundaries, Healing, and What’s Possible for Your Emotional Wellbeing Understanding Situationships: The Gray Zone of Modern Dating If you’ve found yourself in a situationship, you’re not alone. Situationships–those “more than friends, less than a relationship” connections–are increasingly common in today’s dating landscape, especially among young adults and busy professionals in places like Ballwin, Kirkwood, … Read more
Friendship breakups–those painful moments when a close connection fades or ends–are often overlooked in conversations about emotional well-being. Yet, these losses can be just as impactful as romantic breakups, stirring up a complex mix of emotions and mental health challenges. If you’ve ever experienced the sudden silence of a once-close friend or felt the sting … Read more
Apathy. It is probably one of the most concerning feelings for a relationship. When you get to the point of apathy in a marriage or relationship, it likely means that things are so bad that you’ve completely checked out. Right? Here is what apathy in a relationship sounds like: “I just don’t care anymore.” “It … Read more
It’s Valentine’s Day and…you just had a breakup. The universe’s sense of humor is not humorous to you. You haven’t even usually cared about Valentine’s Day–both in your single eras and your relationship eras–but V-Day in the breakup era hits differently. You may be feeling deeply overwhelmed, or you may be feeling pretty numb. You … Read more
By: Imanii Uwakwe, Marble Wellness Therapist in Chicago, IL Welcome to Part 2 of our Boundaries Blog Series! Quick refresh: boundaries are like standards and guidelines to define what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in our interactions with others. They help set the standard of how we expect to be treated. In addition … Read more
Breakups can feel like sudden seismic shifts, altering the landscape of our emotions without warning. As a dedicated West Loop therapist specializing in breakup therapy, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of incorporating symbolic landmarks into the healing journey. Let’s embark on a “Chicago breakup recovery tour”, exploring how these local landmarks can become beacons of … Read more
As a mental health therapist specializing in breakup therapy in Chicago, I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals through the intricate and often tumultuous journey from heartbreak to healing. It’s a profound process that demands time, self-reflection, and compassionate self-care. Today, let’s embark on this emotional journey together, exploring the stages of breakup recovery and … Read more