Marriage and Couples Counseling in Vancouver, Wa Problem: When we are in a relationship, it can be hard to find the right balance between being close and being independent. One of the biggest problems that couples face is figuring out how to manage their independence while still maintaining intimacy with each other. It’s not […]
Category Archives: Counseling
Is polyamory a bad idea? Different people have different things they want out of life and out of their intimate relationships. If you strongly desire a monogamous relationship, and are not comfortable with polyamorous relationships, then practicing polyamory is probably not a good idea. If you feel comfortable with multiple sexual or romantic partners, feel […]
Is non monogamy the same as polyamory? Non-monogamy can be any form of sexual relationship outside of another relationship you may be in. Love does not have to be involved, it can be purely physical. Polyamory means many loves, essentially. It can be a sexual relationship or a non-sexual but emotionally romantic one, and it […]
Can a polyamorous person be in a monogamous relationship? A person that identifies as polyamorous can be in a monogamous relationship if they choose to be. It can be difficult and will require a lot of open communication and flexibility as the poly person may feel they aren’t getting their needs met. A person that […]
How can I be ethically non monogamous? Ethical non monogamy is consensual between multiple partners, allowing for and supporting multiple relationships. It is very important that it be open, talked about in depth. It won’t be necessary to keep secrets as communication is key. Apply the same level of common decency, safety, and care to […]
Brief Couples Therapy: What is it, who is it right for and how does it work? All your questions answered. Some couples don’t need in depth, trauma and emotion focused therapy to heal deep rooted wounds. Sometimes when a couple contacts us for therapy, and they wish to work on communication, this really is all […]
The holidays have arrive, and so has holiday stress. If you are like many, the stress of holidays and family can take it’s toll on you and your relationship. As a relationship counselor, I often joke with clients that I could start an entire business based on the stress of the holidays. I get it. […]
This is the question that I so often get asked after the first session in therapy. Many folks, men or women, come into the counseling room and wonder; “why do I enjoy being choked?” or “I can only orgasm when I fantasize about…” Some of the fantasies are more taboo than the others such as […]
If you have ever talked to me about sex, healing sexual trauma, intimacy or anxiety reduction in sex you have likely heard me make mention of sensate focus. I believe it to be one of the most useful tools or interventions in sex therapy, and in emotional and intimate re-connection. So what exactly is sensate […]
Coupledom is hard. Long term, short term, casual or official it is difficult to communicate effectively. What would you say the biggest pitfalls to communication are? Misunderstanding? Aggressive tone? Reading between the lines? Dismissing communication? OR not engaging in conversation maybe? I see all of these all the time. They are all common and equally […]
Vancouver Counselor to walk with you in your Life Transitions. Life can throw a curve ball or two and sometimes it can just be too much to manage on your own. I offer therapy that focuses on all the twists and turns that you may have experienced recently. For some this looks like beginning parenthood, […]
How do I know if individual counseling is right for me? Most people experience general confusion, sadness, anxiety, and struggle with general life transitions. But for many, these can pile on top of one another, and be too great to manage on your own. Making the decision to engage in individual therapy takes immense courage. […]
Let’s be honest, being in a relationship is hard. It isn’t uncommon to experience challenges, and when they arise, it can be really difficult to decide what the next step is. I see my role in couples and relationship therapy as a person to sit with you, where you are in the moment and help […]