Attachment Styles + Neurodivergence: When Attachment Differences Aren’t the Only Challenge
If you’ve been reading about attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant—you might see some patterns show up in your relationship, but it probably doesn’t feel like the whole story.
Common insights might include:
“You’re avoidant because you shut down.”
“You’re anxious because you need too much reassurance.”
But if you or your partner are neurodivergent—such as having Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD—those labels might not be telling the full story.
“We’re Speaking Different Languages:” Navigating Neurodivergent + Neurotypical Love
Frequently, two people who love each other may be trying to express love, but in a way that isn’t landing with the other. When we can put clear language to expressions of love, then that miscommunication can be bridged and people can adapt their expression so that they can be better understood. Identifying love languages helps us do this.
The problem is, the book on Love Languages was written by and for neurotypical people. So what can we do if one or both people in the relationship is neurodivergent?
Some Signs Relationship OCD Might Be Showing Up and What to Do About It
First, approach with compassion! ROCD is not a weakness, effort to manipulate, or moral failing. It’s rooted in an overactive amygdala and sometimes triggered by past traumas. And it’s very treatable.
How Living in Phoenix Impacts Your Relationship (And What Couples Can Do About It)
Relationships are tough and often times, our environments play a big role in those challenges. In my clinical practice, I have noticed that in Phoenix, couples are facing specific challenges unique to the big city desert. Heat, rising costs, and a sprawling city are just some of the things that can make staying close to the person you love more of a challenge. These things aren’t your fault, but how you show up in your relationship is your responsibility and there are things you can do to improve how you do that through the stressors. This blog will explore a few small shifts you can make to help your relationship feel more connected and attuned, specifically while living in Phoenix.
Trauma Therapy: How to Choose Which Approach is Right for You
EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting, Psychodynamic Therapy…Oh My! When it comes to trauma work, there are so many options to choose from and it may feel overwhelming to know where to start. Trauma work can be activating and scary at first, which sometimes makes choosing the right option feel even more important.
To help you in your search, I’d like to offer a few details and personal clinical reflections to help you make a more informed decision.
When One Partner is Neurodivergent: Therapy Strategies for Couples with ASD or ADHD
While being what many loving refer to as “neuro-spicy,” can be a strength in many ways, it does often present unique challenges in a romantic relationship, especially when one partner is neurotypical.
World Mental Health Day: Spotlight on Friendships
October 10, 2025 is World Mental Health Day, providing all of us an opportunity to stop and reflect on our current mental health, what contributes to it flourishing and how to protect against setbacks. As for my corner of the world supporting healthy and loving relationships, I’d like to pause and dedicate a moment to friendships.
How Animals Heal Us
If you’ve snuggled a kitten or played fetch with a puppy, you already know that animals are healing. When we experience the unconditional love of a pet, we instantly experience a mood boost. But why is this? Could it be the impossibly adorable faces or the plethora of cute toys we get to buy for them? Maybe partially, but research seems to show that it runs even deeper.
How Trauma Shows Up In Relationships And What To Do About It
So many of us have experienced trauma; whether that’s ‘big T Trauma’ like assault or war or ‘little t trauma’ like emotional neglect as a child, the manifestation of said experiences can often feel most intense in our romantic relationships. Below you’ll find some common ways this manifests and small actions you can try to ease the impact.
How Anxiety Shows Up In Relationships And What To Do About It
Anxiety can be a sneaky third player in relationships - planting doubt, triggered by the past, coloring otherwise neutral experiences - it’s important to be aware of these thought patterns as they creep up and have a plan to address them.