Relationships: The Hidden Buffer against Burnout

Lasting Love is built through small relational habits that are cumulative. Building the foundation of friendship, respect, and fun with your partner is key to creating a relationship that can weather any stressors or challenges.

In the wake of the recent election, we’ve experienced a variety of emotions in our sessions—we’ve seen a mix of relief, celebration, despair, vindication, confusion, excitement, and nervous anticipation ripple through our communities. At The Center for Relationships, we recognize the strain moments like these place on our relationships, not just with one another but with ourselves. Through our Inspiring Love series, we’re offering a thoughtful response—grounded in relationship science and the belief that love, in all its forms, has the power to heal. Join us as we explore how to navigate conflict with compassion, bridge divides with curiosity, and create a path forward built on connection and understanding.

Read the full post to find calm, clarity, and actionable strategies for fostering healthier relationships in challenging times.

Today, couples therapy is evolving, and it’s about time! From bringing multiple therapists into a session to attending events like Tea Time with Dr. V, here’s how you can improve your relationship in fresh, fun, and wallet-friendly ways.

Finding the right couples therapist is uniquely challenging. But don’t despair! You're not alone. The modern therapist hunt comes with its own set of challenges, and we are here to help you navigate them.

We are living in the era of relationships and yet our connection to each other could not be worse on so many levels. Our communities have become sick. The viruses of hatred, suspicion, competition, and disengagement have become endemic.  We are learning that our neurons live in networks, that our brain is an ecology, like a garden where if one plant dies, the rest of the garden adapts to keep the brain alive.

Often, younger generations of Asian Americans who are more socialized into American culture face pressures from parents and other older relatives and acquaintances to be more loyal to their family values. This occurs because the beliefs and values of those older generations – typically more traditional – do not mesh well with the modern attitudes younger generations have. These pressures can cause stress within the relationship as each partner both tries to meet the other’s needs while also coping with pressure from parents and relatives to be loyal to the cultural mores. 

Simple and easy relationship tips are not bad if applied at the right time and to the right problem.  At the same time, some habits are hard to change, and some skills need a lot of practice to really become second nature to you. So in this blog, I want to take you on a journey that begins with the simple and ends with the more complex. Let’s look together at the whole gamut – things you can do in a day, week, month, and a year  to change your situation or your skills and abilities to deal with a situation in your life.

Black History Month has come to an end and we are moving into Women’s History Month. In the US, almost every month is designated to particular issues or populations that deserve our attention. During these months, we are invited to learn more about that issue or population, to raise our awareness about how people in that category feel, think, or live, and to hold more sensitivity towards that issue or population in our words and actions. 

During our recent CareWeek annual program, our very own Clinical Director, Toya Foster facilitated a webinar on this topic of strengthening BIPOC relationships.  If you missed that webinar, here is a recap of what she presented.   

Mark your calendars for Care Week 2024: February 12-17th! A week of free sessions, webinars, workshops, and a happy hour!

Did you know that building positivity in your relationships does not take huge effort and pays off better than tackling the difficult stuff in relationships? Most of us tend to wait until a close relationship (with a friend, a child, or a partner) is stuck in conflict before we seek professional help.  It makes sense that we would try on our own before we spend time and money getting therapy. Therapy can be stressful work – requiring a new level of vulnerability and honesty from participants –  but therapy can help a lot. However, Gottman research also supports a less arduous practice for positive relationship building: Small Things Often!

Many families work the “What are you thankful for?” conversation into their annual Thanksgiving meal, with answers ranging from groans to jokes to earnest sharing – and responses from the family running a similar gamut, hopefully in the supportive vein. 

Though it may seem hokey, psychological research gives reason to believe that sharing good news is just as important to your close relationships as supporting each other through the hard times!

Marriage is a beautiful journey that binds two people together. However, it's not just about love and romance; it's about compatibility, understanding, and growing together. Before you take that significant step, there are 10 Must-Have Conversations: Topics to Discuss Before Saying 'I Do' that can set the foundation for a meaningful and lasting relationship.

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction, and it's particularly prevalent in close relationships. The way we handle these conflicts can make or break our connections with others. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the 5 essential steps to healthy Conflict Management in Relationships, providing a detailed look at each step to help you navigate disagreements with grace and empathy.

Explore an in-depth guide to understanding and navigating the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Gottman) - criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Learn how to break these destructive patterns and build healthier relationships.

In the complex choreography of human relationships, establishing boundaries is a critical step towards fostering a nurturing, satisfying, and respectful connection. Rather than trying to regulate or transform other's behaviors, boundaries serve to indicate our personal limitations and comfort zones in a relationship. They uphold the architecture of mutual respect, comprehension, and consent between individuals, while also helping us maintain our distinct identities in the relationship.

When we hear the word "honeymoon," thoughts of blissful newlywed couples whisked away to exotic destinations often come to mind. But beyond the romantic allure and idyllic imagery, what is the true essence of a honeymoon? In this article, we delve into the origins, traditions, and evolving significance of this cherished post-wedding ritual.

Moving in together is a significant milestone in any relationship. It's an exciting and transformative step that brings a couple closer, providing an opportunity to deepen their bond and build a shared life.

While every relationship is unique, there are key principles and practices that can guide couples on their path to enduring love. In this article, we will explore some fundamental elements necessary for cultivating a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship.

Coping with homophobia and transphobia is a daunting and emotionally draining journey. However, by utilizing interpersonal and systemic coping strategies, individuals can navigate these challenges, finding strength, resilience, and support within their relationships.