We all have those days. The ones where getting out of bed feels like an accomplishment, where your motivation is nowhere to be found, and even the smallest tasks feel heavy. Sometimes there’s a clear reason—loss, disappointment, stress—and sometimes it just feels like a cloud you can’t quite name.

If you’re in that space today, I want you to know: it’s okay. You’re not broken. You’re human. And while we can’t snap our fingers and make the hard feelings disappear, we can take small, intentional steps to shift our energy.

So, you’ve just found out that one of you has bipolar disorder. Maybe you have been trying for a long time to make sense of, "Why does my partner go from planning a surprise vacation to refusing to leave the couch for three days?" Or maybe it hit you as a rock, like realizing the reason your spouse suddenly decided to adopt seven cats wasn’t just a quirky phase.

Whatever the case, let’s focus on the good news: Couples can absolutely thrive when one partner has bipolar disorder. It just takes some teamwork, patience, and maybe a well-stocked snack drawer for those tougher days.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance cannot be overstated. As we strive to meet deadlines and be productive, we often overlook the necessity to set boundaries, which can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, especially when asking for what feels fair. It's essential to recognize the significance of taking care of our mental health and well-being, and setting clear boundaries is a crucial first step.

As summer is in full force with its longer days and less structured schedules, we’re often encouraged to "Relax. Slow down. Take a vacation." For many, these words sound like an invitation to unwind. But for others, particularly those with trauma histories or high-achieving tendencies shaped for survival, summer doesn’t always feel like much of a break–it can feel depressing. For some, it can activate internal pressure and reveal just how challenging it is to step away from productivity.

In today’s world, stress is a constant companion. Whether it’s anxiety from work, emotional trauma, or the invisible weight of everyday life — our bodies and minds often carry more than we realize. While therapy, medication, and mindfulness are incredible tools, many people are beginning to explore a different path to healing: Eastern medicine.

We live in a world that praises hustle, glorifies productivity, and rewards the people who push through no matter what. But here’s the thing—your body isn’t a machine. And anxiety isn’t just “in your head.” It’s your body’s way of sounding the alarm, waving the red flag, and whispering (sometimes screaming), “I need help.”

And sometimes, no matter how many deep breaths you take, how many gratitude lists you write, or how many hours of sleep you try to get—your body says, “Enough.”

In a world that constantly bombards us with messages about who we should be, it can be all too easy to lose sight of our true selves. We often find ourselves changing and shaping ourselves to fit the expectations and standards of others, even when deep down, we know who we really are. But the truth is, authenticity is a powerful and liberating force that allows us to live our lives in alignment with our true selves.

In any relationship, whether it's romantic, familial, or professional, conflicts are bound to arise. Different perspectives, misunderstandings, and unmet expectations can lead to tension and discord. However, how we manage these conflicts can shape the strength and longevity of our relationships. One of the most effective ways to enhance our conflict resolution skills is by drawing on strategies offered by organizations like the Gottman Institute.

In our increasingly interconnected world, multicultural relationships are becoming more common. These relationships can bring a wealth of diversity, cultural richness, and unique experiences. However, they can also present specific challenges, particularly when it comes to anxiety. As a seasoned psychologist guided by the principles of Dr. John Gottman, I’d like to offer insights on understanding and managing anxiety in multicultural relationships.

Summer months can bring a renewed sense of energy and possibility. However, these warmer months can also stir up body image related concerns that can feel especially daunting for some. Summertime often means more social outings, more time outdoors, and more opportunities to compare our bodies to cultural ideals about how we believe we “should” look. The constant bombardment of marketing that targets getting “beach ready” or “summer fit” only increases the pressure.

As summer unfolds, many of us are drawn to the allure of longer days, social gatherings, and a little indulgence. Whether it's enjoying a few drinks at a barbecue, working late to meet deadlines, or scrolling through social media late into the night, these activities can quickly transform from leisurely pastimes to problematic habits. This summer, let’s delve into the topic of addiction—not only to drugs and alcohol but also to work, social media, and more. Understanding the nature of addiction is the first step toward reclaiming a healthier, more balanced life.

As the season transitions and the days grow longer, many of us are looking forward to all that warmer weather brings—more time outdoors, lighter clothing, days at the beach, and more social gatherings. But for many, this time of year also brings a quieter, more complex emotional experience, an increase in body image concerns.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults, characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines are commonly prescribed to manage these symptoms, they can sometimes lead to increased anxiety. This paradox is particularly relevant for individuals who have co-occurring anxiety disorders, as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety can often overlap, making diagnosis and treatment challenging

Have you ever found yourself feeling anxious when you don’t hear back from your partner right away? Or maybe you feel the need to pull back when a relationship begins to feel too emotionally intense? These responses could likely be connected to your attachment style—a blueprint for how you connect with others that forms early in childhood and can continue to define your relationships throughout life. Understanding your attachment style can provide deeper awareness into your relationship patterns, what activates you emotionally, and ways to cultivate healthier connections.

In a world that often celebrates achievements, accolades, and the “best of the best,” the pressure to be perfect can feel overwhelming. Perfectionism, a relentless pursuit of flawlessness, has become a double-edged sword in our lives. While striving for excellence may seem commendable, it can morph into a weapon we wield against ourselves, breeding anxiety, stress, and an ever-present sense of inadequacy.

Anxiety is uncomfortable. It tightens your chest, quickens your breath, and fills your mind with an endless loop of “what-ifs.” Naturally, the instinctive response is to avoid whatever is triggering the anxiety. If a social gathering makes you uneasy, you cancel. If a challenging project at work fills you with dread, you procrastinate. If an important conversation feels overwhelming, you put it off.

Depression is an often misunderstood mental health condition that can be both chronic or seasonal in nature. When it occurs in the context of a relationship, it can feel as though a third party has entered—one that can be draining, confusing, and lead to feelings of helplessness. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a subtype of depression that aligns with the fall and winter seasons, adds another layer of complexity, often compounding emotional strain during the darker, colder months of the year. For couples, the impact can be profound, challenging the foundation of connection, communication, and shared joy.

At a time when quick-fix, oversimplifying approaches to addressing psychological struggles are rampant, I would like to summarize some psychodynamic perspectives on depression, to inform the reader about a depth-oriented alternative. Many stereotypes and myths have been attached to this form of treatment, and some consider it obsolete or unscientific. Nevertheless, it is my personal and professional experience that this way of working produces deep and rich results, and can penetrate barriers that may be insurmountable to other therapeutic approaches.

As a life coach in Chicago and other states in US with two decades of experience as a psychologist, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless individuals on their journeys to personal growth and fulfillment. My style is direct yet compassionate, and my goal is to foster an environment where hope and authenticity thrive. In this post, I’ll share how I blend my psychological expertise with life coaching to help clients uncover their potential and find a new path forward.

As someone has put it, perfectionism is the art of never being satisfied. No matter how much effort is put into it and no matter how well you have performed, you are constantly being pulled to find what was not done properly. Never feeling ok with receiving a complement because of feeling like you are not deserving of it.