FANOS: Couples Sharing Exercise I often give this exercise to couples who come to see me for therapy. They want to connect with one another, but benefit from some structure. I love FANOS because it starts with asking participants to…
The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also be stressful, especially for those living with mental health challenges. According to a study by NAMI, 64% of people with mental illness say the holidays make their conditions worse. The…
By Fiona Stone, LMFT In my work with couples and individuals, I frequently turn to psychoeducation, focusing on four key areas: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, effective communication, and mindfulness. These foundational components stem from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic…
Written by Erin Kownacki, AMFT The end of a relationship can evoke a wide range of emotions, often leaving individuals feeling confused and overwhelmed. In my work as a therapist, breakups are a frequent reason for clients seeking therapy, many…
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.—Riviera Therapy owner Jenn Kennedy says the pandemic created a massive spike in the need for mental health services. A local banker helped Kennedy make the switch from leasing to owning, which has allowed Riviera Therapy to hire…
Written by Annie Finch, LMFT, CADC, CSAT Self-trust and self-esteem are two fundamental components of psychological well-being that are deeply intertwined. While often discussed separately, these concepts are closely related and mutually reinforcing. Understanding the connection between self-trust and self-esteem…
Family dynamics can be a source of profound joy and intense pain in today’s complex world. In our practice, we’ve seen firsthand how relationships within families can unravel, leading to various forms of distancing. Marginalization is one of these methods.…
One of the most frequent reasons people come to see me as a sex therapist is to talk about the lack of desire they feel in their long-term relationship. These couples have been together 10, 20 even 40+ years and have significant shared…
Anyone over 40 years old knows that sleeping becomes a closely guarded, prized experience. It’s how we regenerate and keep our minds clear and focused. It’s also hard to come by for many people, and having someone next to you…
There’s a long-standing joke that therapy starts with “tell me about your mother.” While everything doesn’t come back to that single caregiver, much of our worldview does hinge on how we were raised and shown care. Unconscious expectations and perceptions are deeply rooted…