The Olive Branch

What better time than a new year to talk about problems?! Sure, it’s not the most comfortable topic for most. But, I’m on a one-woman mission to change that.

Have you ever gotten so familiar with someone that you can read your partner’s mood in a split-second? Turns out, there’s actual science behind that.

When clients come to me in distress about their relationships (which is nearly universal, whether I’m doing individual or couples therapy), one of my first “go-to” conversations is about his/her “sphere of influence.”

I’ve written a lot about happiness in the past – how to find it, how to keep it, and who has the most of it. But, I’ve rarely written about the happiness “breakdown.” Until now.

BEING GRATEFUL Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because […]

If you took Psychology 101 in college, you likely heard about an experiment in which a researcher studied baby monkeys–would they choose to be with a wire “mother” who gave them food and water or a cloth “mother” who gave them comfort?

I have to laugh at some of the new proposed laws popping up around the country – in one state, lawmakers are trying to outlaw swings at playgrounds because they’re dangerous. In another, children were nearly banned without an adult because they could fall down stairs.  In yet another, a Mom was nearly arrested for letting […]

I may not have a ton of single friends, but I DO have several single clients – and, most (if not all) are looking for love. Real love. Lasting love. Powerful love.

My husband, Rob, just happened to be in the hotel next to Mandalay Bay when the Las Vegas shooter killed 59 people Sunday night from a hotel room on the 32nd floor. So, suffice it to say, the tragedy hit a little close to home.

How many times a day do you come across situations in which you might say to yourself (or out loud), “If I were you, I would…” or “She should…” or ” If he knew what was best for him, he would…”