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 […]
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 […]
Porn addiction recovery doesn’t end with sexual sobriety; it begins there. What follows is the real work: building a life that supports healing, prevents relapse, and fosters emotional clarity. A strong, daily recovery routine lays the groundwork for that life. With structure, self-awareness, and small daily wins, long-term sobriety becomes a sustainable, empowering journey. This […]
Trauma Responses or Personality Traits? Redefining the DSM for Survivors “I’ve been called dramatic, intense, needy—even manipulative. But what if I was just scared, and no one noticed?” If you’ve ever walked away from a therapy session or diagnosis feeling more judged than helped, you’re not alone. Many trauma survivors—especially those with complex or prolonged […]
No Accountability, No Consistency: The Power of Life Coaching Consistency is the bridge between intention and transformation. Most people don’t fail because they lack desire, intelligence, or even discipline—they fail because they lack accountability. Without accountability, goals drift, habits fade, and momentum stalls. The truth is simple: no accountability, no consistency. Accountability is not control; […]
Helping Couples Stay Anchored in Love & Respect Healthy relationships don’t drift into strength—they are anchored there. In a culture that celebrates emotion but often ignores commitment, the Bible offers a timeless foundation for couples who want love that lasts and respect that deepens over time. Scripture doesn’t present love and respect as optional traits; […]
The Recovery Tripod A Framework for Couples Think of this framework like a tripod holding up a camera. Each leg represents one of the three healing pillars. If one leg is weak or missing, the whole structure tips over — the image (a restored life and relationship) cannot be held steady. The Betrayal Trauma Leg provides grounding and […]
Empathetic Communication: The Key to Deeper Relationships When we think about communication, most of us imagine words: what we say, how we say it, and whether we’re being clear. But the heart of communication isn’t just about speaking — it’s about listening and connecting. Empathetic communication goes one step further. It’s not only about understanding […]
Rebuilding Trust Starts in the Body Why Words Alone Don’t Repair Trust After a betrayal, chronic conflict, or years of disconnection, partners often try to fix trust with promises and explanations. Those matter—but if your body still feels unsafe, trust won’t take root. Repair begins in the nervous system. When the body relaxes, the heart […]
The Power of Listening: Why Being Heard Transforms Relationships Why Listening Matters More Than We Think Most people believe they’re decent listeners—yet research shows we typically remember less than half of what someone has just told us. In relationships, this gap can be devastating. When we feel unheard, arguments escalate, disconnection grows, and resentment takes […]
