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Speaking About Trauma

Understanding traumatic events, illuminating relationships, and building resilience.

Spirituality
Spirituality as Resilience

Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP on November 29, 2023

For centuries, people have responded to war, illness, and disaster by reaching for something beyond them to make meaning and ease pain. This is why.

For centuries, people have responded to war, illness, and disaster by reaching for something beyond them to make meaning and ease pain. This is why.

Adolescence
Cannabis, Teens, and Risk: Postponement as Prevention

Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP on August 12, 2023

With the legalization of cannabis, it is likely more teens will using it. Even recreational use has an unknown impact on teen brain development and warrants asking teens to "Just Wait."

With the legalization of cannabis, it is likely more teens will using it. Even recreational use has an unknown impact on teen brain development and warrants asking teens to "Just Wait."

Sex
What If You Find Your Partner Using Porn?

Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP on June 5, 2023

Finding a partner using porn can leave a couple in a crisis of exposure and betrayal. Guidelines for sharing and learning can make mutual repair possible.

Finding a partner using porn can leave a couple in a crisis of exposure and betrayal. Guidelines for sharing and learning can make mutual repair possible.

Resilience
Do You Still Know Your Partner?

Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP on March 7, 2023

Despite their predictions, surprising research shows, long-term partners had more difficulty knowing a partner’s preferences than young couples did.

Despite their predictions, surprising research shows, long-term partners had more difficulty knowing a partner’s preferences than young couples did.

Jealousy
Do You Understand the Jealousy in Your Relationship?

Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP on July 17, 2022

In the lives of couples, jealousy is a complex emotion with varied causes and consequences. Understanding its role in your relationship is crucial to a trusting and loving bond.

In the lives of couples, jealousy is a complex emotion with varied causes and consequences. Understanding its role in your relationship is crucial to a trusting and loving bond.

Sex
What Really Goes on in Sexless Marriages

Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP on February 6, 2022

When sexual connection and intimacy stop between spouses, they often stay together, trapped in feelings of rejection, anger, and longing. The real trap is the silence between them.

When sexual connection and intimacy stop between spouses, they often stay together, trapped in feelings of rejection, anger, and longing. The real trap is the silence between them.

Animal Behavior
Does Your Pet Play a Therapeutic Role in Your Relationship?

Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP on January 3, 2022

A close look reveals that, much like a therapist, pets often serve as the emotional “third” to couples. As such, they open emotional space for new perspectives and ways of relating.

A close look reveals that, much like a therapist, pets often serve as the emotional “third” to couples. As such, they open emotional space for new perspectives and ways of relating.