Why I Need Help to be a Good Spouse and Parent

I was a child of the 1960’s – 70’s: The first generation of women in America discovering that they could, and perhaps should, have a career of their own outside the home. As little girls, my friends and I dreamed of our careers, not of having babies and making our husbands happy. That was what […]

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Imago Relationship Tips: Remove All Criticism

Does your partner behave in ways that annoy you? How do you feel when this happens? Do you criticize your partner? Try these tips instead. For more information on Imago Relationship therapy and how it could help you, contact The Imago Center of Washington, DC at info@imagocenterdc.com

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Radical Self-Care for the Holidays!

Heading into the holidays is like relationship boot camp. Your family of origin (FOO) brings out the best and the worst in you and your loved ones. The invitation to return to your FOO role as…pleaser, golden boy, scapegoat, prankster, the favorite, the youngest, the hero, the clown, or the lost child is irresistible. Years […]

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Few Safe Spaces Post Election

Post US Presidential election, depending on where you live in the country, there are few safe spaces where people feel they can voice their real feelings. This is not just about the presidential candidates but views of government, policy and general grievances about the many injustices and suffering that has been happening in the US […]

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Imago Relationship Therapy represented in scholarly journals

After accepting a graduate counselor internship at The Imago Center of Washington DC, I became aware that Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) as an intervention was not well represented in scholarly journals.   However, my concern quickly diminished when conducting research on this subject. I came across an academic journal article published in July of 2016*.  The […]

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Why We Need Gratitude More Than Ever this Thanksgiving

After this polarizing election year that has left many of us feeling disconnected, weary, and fearful, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity for reconnection — even with family members of different political leanings, if we are intentional and focused on practicing gratitude. Here are three reasons that choosing a grateful outlook can help us deal with Uncle […]

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The NPR Diane Rehm Show: How We Choose Our Spouses

Recently, I listened to a panel discussion on the NPR Diane Rehm show entitled “How We Choose our Spouses”, (http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2016-10-17/how-we-choose-our-spouses). Did anyone else listen to this? The topic was inspired by a provocative New York Times article “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person” by Alain de Botton. As a couples therapist for over 25 […]

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The Joys of Being a Grandmother

No one ever tells you how much your heart will swell upon becoming a grandmother. Research studies have determined that women who have grandchildren geographically close by, and are involved in their lives, live longer. It is no surprise to me. But the benefits go both ways in this relationship. A study by the London […]

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Getting Triggered! It can be a slippery slope but doesn’t have to be

We all know that feeling of getting triggered. A quick feeling of anger, hurt, fear, or perhaps the feeling of being misjudged or ignored. That comment from a boss or colleague that leaves you feeling criticized. An eye roll from your teen. The dreaded silence of a partner when you are hoping for some verbal […]

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The Best Wedding Gift Ever

If you are preparing to be married, consider premarital counseling: it’s the best investment in your relationship you’ll ever make. You don’t have to be religious to try it. Even though some couples come to premarital counseling because their priest, minister, or rabbi has made it a requirement before marriage, many relationship education programs are not […]

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