Letting go of someone we love is never easy—but when that person is still alive and constantly promising change, it can feel impossible. Unlike the finality of death, which allows the grieving process to unfold with a certain clarity, the grief of a toxic or codependent relationship is ambiguous, prolonged, and disorienting.

While pornography isn’t designed for teens, it’s unrealistic to pretend they aren’t watching it. With smartphones and easy internet access, adolescents today have unrestricted access to an endless library of explicit content. But what does this mean for their understanding of sex?

Today, marriage is no longer a practical alliance for survival. Instead, it's a romantic, companionate ideal—a place where we expect our partner to be our best friend, confidant, passionate lover, co-parent, and therapist. We want stability and spontaneity, safety and excitement, comfort and adventure—all from one person. And when our reality doesn’t align with those expectations, confusion or dissatisfaction can follow.

One of the most common challenges couples face—inside and outside the therapy room—is differences in sexual desire. When this isn’t understood or communicated well, it can lead to frustration, miscommunication, and even resentment over time.

While no one encourages betrayal, the truth is that some relationships become stronger after infidelity. For couples willing to do the hard work, the process of healing can lead to greater honesty, emotional depth, and stronger commitment than ever before.

Sex is supposed to be mutual, pleasurable, and consensual. Unfortunately, for many people—especially survivors of sexual abuse—these lines can become blurred by trauma, shame, or confusion.

If you’ve experienced sexual violence or know someone who has, it’s important to have the language and clarity to differentiate healthy sexual experiences from violations of consent. This is an essential part of the healing process.

Betrayal trauma occurs when someone you deeply trust—such as a partner, spouse, family member, or close friend—violates that trust in a profound and painful way. This is especially true in cases of sexual betrayal, where the emotional impact can feel destabilizing and traumatic.

Your earliest relationships shape the way you see yourself, connect with others, and regulate emotions. This foundational connection—usually with your caregiver—is what psychologists call your attachment style. For trauma survivors, understanding this can be a crucial step toward healing.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained popularity as an effective treatment for trauma and emotional distress. However, along with its growing recognition, several myths and misconceptions have surfaced. If you’re considering EMDR therapy, understanding the truth behind these myths is key to feeling confident and safe in the process.

The concept of The 5 Love Languages—acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gifts, and quality time—has helped many people navigate emotional connection in relationships. But for trauma survivors, none of these love languages can thrive without a foundational sense of safety.

In today’s digital world, pornography is more accessible than ever—and its impact on women is becoming increasingly evident. While conversations around pornography often focus on men, emerging data shows that women are also being deeply affected—emotionally, psychologically, and sexually.

When people think of betrayal in a relationship, cheating is often the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is, infidelity isn’t the only form of betrayal—and in many cases, it’s not even the most damaging.

Whether it’s emotional neglect, dishonesty, or undermining your partner’s sense of self-worth, betrayal takes many forms. Here are 8 types of relationship betrayals that can be just as hurtful—if not more—than a physical affair.

When most people think of BDSM—Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism—they often associate it with rough sex, pain, or control. However, this perception is incomplete. For many trauma survivors, BDSM can serve as a powerful tool for healing—allowing them to reclaim power, experience bodily autonomy, and engage in deeply supportive connection.

Sexual trauma affects millions of people, but healing is possible—and so is having a fulfilling, safe, and healthy sex life. Whether you are struggling with trust, arousal, shame, or flashbacks, you are not alone. Through trauma-informed therapy and supportive relationships, survivors of sexual abuse can reclaim intimacy and experience real connection.

Have you ever found yourself getting in your own way—just as things were starting to go well? Maybe you procrastinated, quit too early, or talked yourself out of a good opportunity. This may not be laziness or lack of motivation. It could be self-sabotage, and you’re not alone.

The Window of Tolerance is a powerful framework that helps us understand how trauma affects our ability to cope with stress and regulate emotions. Originally coined by Dr. Dan Siegel, this concept describes the optimal zone of arousal—the mental and emotional space where we feel grounded, calm, present, and in control.

Have you ever wondered why certain moments with your partner make you feel deeply happy, secure, and connected? Whether it's cuddling on the couch, achieving a shared goal, or enjoying a fun night out together—your brain is hard at work, releasing "happy chemicals" that shape your emotional experience.

In a world where unrealistic beauty standards dominate the media, it’s easy to feel like we’re never enough. Whether it’s the flawless filters on social media or the impossible body types shown in advertising, many of us internalize the message: “You need to look a certain way to be worthy.”

For survivors of sexual trauma, the struggle to feel confident and attractive is even more complex. But no matter your past, you deserve to feel beautiful, empowered, and worthy of pleasure—just as you are.

Trauma affects more than just emotions—it deeply impacts the brain’s chemistry. For trauma survivors, the body can remain in a heightened state of stress for prolonged periods, often leading to low levels of key “feel good” chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.

You’re not alone. For trauma survivors, the desire for connection is often tangled with fear, shame, and deeply ingrained self-protection. Even simple things like asking for support, accepting a compliment, or being emotionally vulnerable can feel overwhelming.