Most couples don’t begin marriage expecting their childhood to influence their disagreements. Yet many partners eventually notice that arguments about money, intimacy, communication, or parenting can feel bigger than the issue itself—almost like the relationship is on the line. That’s often because marriage doesn’t just join two people. It brings together two nervous systems, two […]
To the outside world, you are the picture of resilience. You are the high-achieving professional, the reliable community leader, and the person everyone turns to when a problem needs solving. You meet your deadlines, maintain your commitments, and appear to have everything under control. But behind the scenes, there is a different story. For […]
I’ve been working with couples who have weathered deep, painful conflicts and are trying to rebuild connection, trust, and intimacy. The wounds have been treated, but they’re still tender. They want to reconnect but find themselves hesitant—after so much tension and pain, it’s hard to open up again, to be vulnerable. One of the most […]
What Do Couples Argue About? www.bastiontherapy.com You may have wondered what other couples argue about. And if you reflect on your own arguments, you may have wondered how your arguments relate to how other couples argue and whether couples therapy might be helpful. First, let’s recognize that disagreements among couples is normal, but that conflict […]
In psychotherapy and couples therapy at Bastion Therapy, we can explore tools that can help with couples conflict and conflict in general. www.bastiontherapy.com Have you ever wondered if the way you and your partner communicate during conflict might not be ideal? One potential tool is changing your opening statement in a conflict discussion. In a […]
A lot of people come into therapy thinking something in them is wrong. It’s a place I’ve sat in myself. It’s not always spoken so directly… Often, it sounds more like: “I don’t know why I react like this.” “I understand it… but I still can’t change it.” “I don’t understand why I keep […]
Conviction, shame, and anxiety can feel surprisingly similar. All three can bring a sense of heaviness, mental noise, or a strong urge to withdraw. You might notice tension in your body, trouble sleeping, or thoughts that keep looping. Because they overlap in how they feel, it’s easy to mislabel what’s happening inside—especially during stressful seasons […]
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with functional medicine training, I’ve witnessed firsthand how combining evidence-based conventional treatments with integrative approaches can transform ADHD care. While medications remain highly effective for many patients, a truly comprehensive treatment plan addresses the whole person- brain chemistry, nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The Foundation: Evidence-Based Treatments The […]
Feeling emotionally numb can be a confusing and isolating experience. You might find it hard to connect with your feelings, relationships, or even your purpose. Emotional numbness is often a response to trauma, stress, or prolonged emotional pain—it’s your mind’s way of protecting you from hurt. However, when numbness persists, it can affect your […]
Before working with couples, I always start with one individual session with each partner. These sessions are 50-minutes long, and they are much like a regular initial individual psychotherapy session. While confidential, I explain that there are no secrets held within the individual sessions away from their partner. That means that anything discussed in the […]
