Valentine’s Day has a way of narrowing our definition of love, placing romance at the forefront of what we should be celebrating. Bell Hooks reminds us otherwise: “Deep, abiding friendships are the place where many women know lasting love” (a truth that applies across genders). Decentering romantic love doesn’t mean devaluing it, it means realizing that it is not more valuable than platonic love, even if society frequently treats it that way. Close friendships are some of th

As the new year approaches, many of us revisit the idea of resolutions. We often feel pressure to set rigid goals that are heavily influenced by societal expectations rather than our own desires and values. Instead of creating lasting change, this approach can leave us feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or stuck in cycles of self-criticism. It’s time that we reframe our resolutions to honor our values, build on our strengths, and support growth that feels sustainable rather th

The fear of being too much and not enough at the same time. Codependency has been stigmatized in ways that miss the humanity that lies beneath it. Love can be one of the most meaningful human experiences, until it starts to feel like a responsibility, or something you have to earn rather than enjoy. This label carries shame and is thrown around as if it’s a flaw or a sign of weakness. However, those who identify as “codependent” may not have known unconditional safety, and de

Trauma and substance use go together like peas and carrots. It might sound lighthearted, but the reality is far from it. As a therapist...