Ever wondered why a season meant for joy can sometimes feel overwhelming? As the festive season approaches, we picture warmth, connection, and celebration. Yet, for many, this time of year stirs unexpected emotional turbulence. In my work, I’ve noticed a pattern: two peak periods when people seek support—right after the holidays and after summer. It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? These are supposed to be times of happiness. But from a psychological lens, holidays can activate deep...

In my practice, I’m seeing more couples reaching out for help. Their stories are diverse: some feel their partner has become emotionally distant, others struggle with trust, infidelity, or even substance use. Many describe their relationship as having shifted from passionate partnership to something more like roommates—or even strangers under the same roof. Sometimes, the only thing holding them together is shared parenting, and even that can become a source of conflict. What’s often missed...

When we think about mental health challenges, our minds often jump to stress at work, performance anxiety, or the heavy fog of depression and panic attacks. These are real and valid struggles — but in my experience as a psychotherapist, one of the most overlooked yet profoundly impactful sources of emotional distress lies much closer to home: our relationships. Our earliest and most intimate connections — with parents, siblings, and close relatives — shape the way we understand ourselves and...