Training in the PACT model sparks excitement for clinicians. It also presents a steep learning curve. Even seasoned therapists experience some uncertainty when learning such an active and complex approach. PACT challenges therapists to integrate multiple components and theories into a sophisticated model. The full integration, while quite satisfying, takes time, patience, and practice. As…

In a healthy romantic relationship partners create safety and security with each other. Partners have each other’s backs and the folks around them see that they have each other’s backs. In PACT we refer to this as the couple bubble. We support couples in building a secure functioning relationship and in developing a couple bubble that…

For the past two weeks I’ve had an internal debate about whether or not to watch the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. Normally I wouldn’t share my TV indulgences in a blog post because, well, who cares? However, this is different. If you have a tween or teen in your life, this matters. Pop culture…

From ScienceAlert.com By Fiona MacDonald, April 7, 2017 Any night owls reading this will be familiar with the struggle of constantly trying to fit into a morning person’s world. And now researchers say they’ve finally identified the genetic typo that causes this social jetlag. A new study has revealed that many people who stay up…

True confessions: I never really wanted to be a couple therapist. I tell people that I was a late bloomer when it comes to couple therapy. It’s more accurate to say I was dragged, kicking and screaming, into the world of couple therapy by my friend, Krista. I always found the idea of couple therapy quite…

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) makes people feel crazy. Really, really crazy. I am not even joking about this. Imagine living in a constant state of high alert or sensing danger all around you without knowing why. If you found yourself spacing out and not remembering what happened or wandering through life feeling disconnected from people…

Regardless of political leanings, it’s safe to say that most of us feel the effects of the increased negativity in the political atmosphere. The tone of our public discourse continues to spiral downward. It seems our country is in the midst of an existential crisis, and it ain’t pretty. Frustration, defensiveness, and anger abound. In…

 I recommend this to all my couples and, because I’m kind of a dork, I also give it as an engagement gift to friends. Most of my clients love it. Although it’s not a prerequisite for starting therapy with me I tell couples that it will save them time and money in couple therapy. 

Here’s a great article for parents, teachers, and therapists interested in helping kids improve emotional intelligence.     

  A brief explanation from Bessel van der Kolk about the long term impact of childhood trauma on the brain.  

Asking for a Friend: I’m in Love With a Republican—What Do I Do?  Last year my friend, Liza Featherstone, who writes for The Nation interviewed me for her column, “Asking for a Friend.” The issue seems even more relevant since the election. Click the link to read the article.