Marriage & Relationships

An older couple sits together, looking peaceful and content, symbolizing companionship and togetherness in later years.

Married After Children – Surviving The Empty Nest

Married for 32 years, and now empty nesters, Mike and Anna found themselves struggling to connect with each other in their marriage. Until recently, when the last of their children had left the house, Mike and Anna’s lives were filled...

Betrayal

David betrayed his life partner and he was not prepared for his partner's emotional distress. He wanted to know when it would end. He asked "Why isn't sorry good enough?" David needed to understand that his partner's reactions were normal....

Up In Flames – part 2

About three and a half years ago I wrote the article: 'Up In Flames' that can be found at Psychealth.com. It was written shortly after my apartment burned down and shares my experience navigating through that challenging life event. This...

My Child Won’t Listen

Parents often complain that their children "do not listen" and that is frequently a concern parents describe when they visit a child psychologist. When I met the parents of six year old Charlotte, they described daily power struggles over routine...
SmartphoneAddiction (002)

Smartphone Addiction

The headline in the Globe and Mail read, "Your smartphone is making you stupid, antisocial and unhealthy. So why can't you put it down?" by Eric Andrew-Gee. As I began to read the article I became alarmed by the research...

Why do we Lie?

Lying destroys relationships and damages the bonds between human beings. The Journal of Intercultural Communication Research (2016) states that "we all lie, but not all lies are the same. People lie to achieve a goal: WE LIE IF [we believe]...

Empathy and Mirror Neurons

Empathy differs from sympathy. Sympathy reflects an understanding of another person' situation- but viewed through your own eyes. In contrast, empathy is what you feel when you can step outside of yourself and enter the internal world of another person....
strongmarriages

How Are Strong Marriages Like Healthy Gardens?

This is a question that I often put to couples who attend the premarital workshops I present. I like the question because it requires what are called "higher order thinking skills" - a more effective way of engaging new information...

Marriage Can Be Miserable

When a couple marries, they can be truly miserable if they follow a few simple rules! When life is busy and stress levels are high, it is important to “do one’s own thing.” Take time to unwind and relax; this...

Caught in the Middle: Supporting the Child Through Parental Divorce

Last week I learned that a young couple I know had recently separated. I remembered their wedding and the promising future they imagined together. I don't know the circumstances of their separation but I do hope that they have tried...