A herpes diagnosis can hit like the ground falling out from under you, bringing shock, fear, and a wave of questions about your worth and your future. Therapist Angela Sanson, LMFT, gently walks through the ones you might be asking yourself, from "how could this happen to me?" to "will anyone ever want me again?" This is a compassionate, shame-free guide to re-regulating, feeling understood, and remembering that a diagnosis is one chapter in your story, not the whole book.
Read MoreMak Donovan, MFT, is back to unpack more of the songs from The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs by Noah Kahan. Spending time with this album has been a gift. Thanks for taking the time to read part one! Here’s what I think of a few of the other songs on the album and who can benefit from listening to them.
Read MoreIf you have ever wondered why you are this exhausted when you are, by every visible measure, holding your life together beautifully, the short answer is: you have been carrying more than people realized for a long time.
Read MoreA therapist searches for deeper meaning...shocker.
If you are like me, you have been blasting Noah Kahan’s new album nonstop since it came out. The Great Divide: The Last of the Bugs is a beautifully intimate and reflective album that depicts exactly what it’s like to be human. It speaks to the parts of us that we hide and the versions of us that want connection, above all else.
Read MoreIt is normal to feel guilty for being happy when we recognize the inequality and unfairness of suffering. Of course, that makes perfect sense. Often, though, we can end up limiting ourselves because of our guilt.
I’d like to make a case for your joy. Your very human joy.
Read MoreFeeling disconnected from your partner is one of the most common experiences in long-term relationships, and one of the hardest to talk about. It doesn't always come with a clear cause. It doesn't mean you've stopped loving them. It doesn't mean the relationship is over. Sometimes it just means you've both been living parallel lives for a while, and the space between you has gotten wider without anyone really noticing until now.
Read MorePublished Friday March 6th, 2026: Every relationship moves through seasons. Some feel light and effortless. Others feel uncertain, tense, or unexpectedly tender.
Read MoreDeciding to explore marriage therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when fear, stigma, or uncertainty get in the way. Many couples worry that therapy will only make things worse, confirm their fears, or force difficult decisions. In reality, marriage therapy is about more than that, it’s about creating space for honest conversations, understanding patterns, and rebuilding connections. By separating myth from reality, we’ll offer a more compassionate look at what marriage therapy truly involves.
Read MoreThere are moments in adulthood that feel bigger than the situation in front of you. A small disagreement feels devastating. A mistake feels unbearable. Rejection feels like proof that something is wrong with you. On the outside, you may look capable, successful, and “fine.” Inside, something younger may be bracing. You may be experiencing unresolved childhood wounds a.k.a the parts of you that learned to survive before they learned to feel safe.
Read MoreThere are moments when life feels… good. Maybe even really good. And yet, instead of sinking into it, your mind tightens. Your chest gets a little heavier. A quiet thought creeps in: “Okay, but how long is this going to last?” If you’ve ever felt anxious because things were going well, you’re definitely not alone. Joy and anxiety can coexist. And for many people, feeling good can feel threatening.
Read MoreThe holiday season can be especially challenging if you’re in early recovery from alcohol or substance use. Work events, family gatherings, and celebrations often include drinking and you might be wondering how to stay sober without feeling left out, pressured, or overwhelmed.
Read MoreStruggling to tell the difference between letting go and giving up? Learn how to trust your inner wisdom, recognize when something is no longer right for you, and honor your growth, even when it means walking away.
Read MoreUncertainty is a part of life, but that doesn’t make it easy. Learn how to manage the discomfort of not knowing and build resilience when the future feels unclear.
Read MoreStruggling to tell if it's anxiety or intuition? Learn how to recognize the difference between fear-based thinking and inner knowing and start building self-trust.
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