RESOURCES
Couples with Kathleen
Heart-centred content to help you live a beautiful and fulfilling life.
Why Blame is a Losing Strategy in Relationships (And What to Do Instead)
Blame is tempting. It gives us the illusion of control without actually requiring us to look inward. But here’s the hard truth: blame is a losing strategy in relationships.
Taking Ownership in Your Relationship: Why Focusing on What You Can Change Matters Most
When we feel stuck in relationship struggles, it’s easy to zero in on what our partner is doing wrong—or not doing at all.
Understanding Codependency in Friendships
Friendship is crucial, providing companionship, support, and belonging. But when these bonds become codependent, they can hinder personal growth and independence.
Co-Dependency in Relationships: Signs, Patterns, and How Couples Therapy Can Help
Learn the signs of co-dependency in relationships, what happens if only one partner changes, and how couples therapy can help restore balance and connection.
The Silent Treatment & Stonewalling: Why We Do It and How to Stop
Have you ever been in an argument with your partner and suddenly shut down? Maybe you withdrew completely, stopped responding, or gave them the cold shoulder for hours (or even days).
How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty
Do you ever say yes when you really want to say no? Do you feel responsible for other people’s emotions, even at the expense of your own well-being?
Your Partner’s Feelings Matter More Than the Facts—Here’s Why
The truth is, when it comes to love, conflict, and connection, objective reality doesn’t matter nearly as much as how each person experiences the situation.
Emotional Immaturity in Relationships: Why It Happens and How to Move Forward
Have you ever felt like you’re in a relationship with someone who shuts down, lashes out, or avoids difficult conversations? Or maybe you’ve noticed these patterns in yourself.
Groundhog Day in Your Relationship? How to Break Free from Negative Cycles
Have you ever felt like your relationship is stuck on repeat—having the same argument over and over with no resolution? It’s like your own version of Groundhog Day.
Why January Can Be Tough on Relationships—and How to Navigate It Together
The new year often brings with it a mix of emotions—hope for a fresh start, pressure to set resolutions, and for many couples, an unwelcome sense of strain in their relationship.
Why Relationships Struggle During the Holidays (and How to Strengthen Yours)
The holiday season carries a promise of joy and togetherness, yet for many couples, it can be a time of heightened tension and disconnection.
Book Review: Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay
As a couples therapist, I’m often asked to help individuals and couples understand whether staying in a relationship is right for them, and it’s a question that carries immense emotional weight.
Deciding Whether to Stay or Go: Part 2 – Reflecting on What Comes Next
This month, let’s go a step further into the heart of the question by reflecting on some core insights that can help clarify your path forward.
Should I stay, or should I go? Part 1
Deciding to leave a relationship can be one of the most heart-wrenching decisions you’ll ever face. It often involves conflicting feelings, hopes for change, and the fear of the unknown.
The Power of Active Listening in Relationships
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to hear our partners without truly listening to them. But active listening is more than just letting words wash over us—it’s a powerful tool that can deepen connection and strengthen relationships.
Managing Emotions and Reactivity in Relationships
In the rollercoaster of relationships, emotions can sometimes get the best of us. A small misunderstanding can trigger a big reaction, leaving both partners feeling hurt and confused.
Reconnecting After Parenthood: Strengthening Your Relationship
Becoming parents is a monumental milestone, one that brings immense joy and fulfillment. However, this transition can also challenge the dynamics of your relationship.
Understanding and Addressing "Kitchen Sinking" in Relationship Conflict
As a relationship therapist, I've seen countless couples struggle with a communication pattern known as "kitchen sinking." This term describes the tendency for partners to bring up a litany of past grievances and unrelated issues during an argument.
Why Knowing Your Attachment Style Can Transform Your Love Life
Have you ever wondered why you react a certain way in relationships? Or why some interactions with partners or even dates seem loaded with more emotion than you'd expect?
"Not Tonight, Honey": Navigating the Ebb and Flow of Desire in Relationships
Ever heard a friend say, "My partner could have sex every day—it’s just too much for me"? Or maybe you've felt something like, "Why don't I ever feel like having sex? Is something wrong with me?" You’re not alone.