Relationship Issues Therapists in South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Photo of Arthur Binder, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Arthur Binder
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90044
Hello, I'm Arthur Binder and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 34 years of experience. I like working with adults of all ages and backgrounds who seek to tackle their problems head-on, who have some curiosity about themselves, and who respond to the idea that problems themselves do not need to be a source of self-blame, shame, or guilt and who want to work in this effort to overcome them. I specialize in areas including anxiety, depression, grief, aging, family conflict, and relationship issues, amongst others.
Hello, I'm Arthur Binder and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 34 years of experience. I like working with adults of all ages and backgrounds who seek to tackle their problems head-on, who have some curiosity about themselves, and who respond to the idea that problems themselves do not need to be a source of self-blame, shame, or guilt and who want to work in this effort to overcome them. I specialize in areas including anxiety, depression, grief, aging, family conflict, and relationship issues, amongst others.
(213) 861-4198 View (213) 861-4198
Photo of Ashlei Lien - Ashlei Lien Private Practice, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashlei Lien Private Practice
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
We will take our time to build a strong therapeutic relationship, which is the most important aspect of therapy.
Welcome! My name is Ashlei and my job is to gain your trust and collaborate with you and validate in your experience in this super tough world we are living in. I offer individual therapy, couples and intimate relationships therapy, family therapy, and coaching. I am a bi-racial clinician and my goal is to provide culturally competent therapy and create the safest space for you to share your story with me.
We will take our time to build a strong therapeutic relationship, which is the most important aspect of therapy.
Welcome! My name is Ashlei and my job is to gain your trust and collaborate with you and validate in your experience in this super tough world we are living in. I offer individual therapy, couples and intimate relationships therapy, family therapy, and coaching. I am a bi-racial clinician and my goal is to provide culturally competent therapy and create the safest space for you to share your story with me.
(213) 645-2671 View (213) 645-2671
Photo of Lilach Dior Harris, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lilach Dior Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90044
I have spent the past 20+ years listening to relationship problems and their attempted failed solutions.
I offer non-judgmental, direct, compassionate and effective therapy. I possess 20+ years of extensive experience and education in the successful treatment of relationship issues often related to unresolved trauma. In therapy, we are a team and you are the “driver”, my role is to navigate the journey and this life is all about the journey. As a certified EMDR psychotherapist, I have found that EMDR is one of the most effective methods to stimulate the brain and body’s natural ability towards healing. I can help you develop simple solutions to parenting issues post COVID.
I have spent the past 20+ years listening to relationship problems and their attempted failed solutions.
I offer non-judgmental, direct, compassionate and effective therapy. I possess 20+ years of extensive experience and education in the successful treatment of relationship issues often related to unresolved trauma. In therapy, we are a team and you are the “driver”, my role is to navigate the journey and this life is all about the journey. As a certified EMDR psychotherapist, I have found that EMDR is one of the most effective methods to stimulate the brain and body’s natural ability towards healing. I can help you develop simple solutions to parenting issues post COVID.
(619) 320-4647 View (619) 320-4647
Photo of Rebecca Ruben, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Ruben
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Knowing this to feel all too true in therapy, we'll create a collaborative relationship using curiosity, understanding, and humor in order to find growth and healing for you.
Hello! I'm so glad you're here. I specialize in working with women, young adults, college students, and pregnant or postpartum parents who come to therapy because of anxiety, depression, perfectionism, identity, life balance, self-esteem, relationships, or grief. Many of my clients come in seeking support when life has become too overwhelming or challenging. I love supporting you in your journey and believe we all benefit from telling our stories and finding new ways to understand them. I'm also passionate about supporting motherless daughters + motherless mothers and lead groups + workshops throughout the year.
Knowing this to feel all too true in therapy, we'll create a collaborative relationship using curiosity, understanding, and humor in order to find growth and healing for you.
Hello! I'm so glad you're here. I specialize in working with women, young adults, college students, and pregnant or postpartum parents who come to therapy because of anxiety, depression, perfectionism, identity, life balance, self-esteem, relationships, or grief. Many of my clients come in seeking support when life has become too overwhelming or challenging. I love supporting you in your journey and believe we all benefit from telling our stories and finding new ways to understand them. I'm also passionate about supporting motherless daughters + motherless mothers and lead groups + workshops throughout the year.
(323) 709-8977 View (323) 709-8977
Photo of Dr. Ashley Ebbert, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Ashley Ebbert
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90007
In my practice, I prioritize building an authentic therapeutic relationship and creating a safe and supportive space for feeling seen, heard, and understood.
I want to help you live a life full of meaning and purpose. Together, we will explore the underlying dynamics that shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to unlock lasting change for creating a fulfilling life. Our work together will focus on helping you connect with your authentic self to build self-worth, find self-acceptance, and improve your relationships. Whether you are dealing with the residual effects of past relationships or engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, I will help you make meaningful changes for building healthier, more fulfilling connections.
In my practice, I prioritize building an authentic therapeutic relationship and creating a safe and supportive space for feeling seen, heard, and understood.
I want to help you live a life full of meaning and purpose. Together, we will explore the underlying dynamics that shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to unlock lasting change for creating a fulfilling life. Our work together will focus on helping you connect with your authentic self to build self-worth, find self-acceptance, and improve your relationships. Whether you are dealing with the residual effects of past relationships or engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, I will help you make meaningful changes for building healthier, more fulfilling connections.
(323) 709-8740 View (323) 709-8740
Photo of Damon Holzum, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Damon Holzum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90047
My focus: You, Couples therapy, Your relationship(s), Solo/Poly/Bi/Homosexual and heterosexual identities, Polyamory, Sex & Sexuality Support, Gender Identity, Alternative Sexual Practices, Sex worker support and strategies, Kink culture, Emotionally Safe Sexual interaction.
Damon Holzum, LCSW. I bring a fresh, passionate and compassionate approach to your concerns and engage with you as someone desiring a powerful, nurturing, and solutions focused experience. My focus is an integrative approach blending CBT, experiential, Gestalt, and narrative therapies to assist you and your significant other or family to thrive within your environment and understand your thoughts and feelings to be the best you. I engage with all genres of individuals and focus on sex-positive therapy, polyamory, alternative sexual practices and the destigmatization of all things sexual and intimate within your relationships.
My focus: You, Couples therapy, Your relationship(s), Solo/Poly/Bi/Homosexual and heterosexual identities, Polyamory, Sex & Sexuality Support, Gender Identity, Alternative Sexual Practices, Sex worker support and strategies, Kink culture, Emotionally Safe Sexual interaction.
Damon Holzum, LCSW. I bring a fresh, passionate and compassionate approach to your concerns and engage with you as someone desiring a powerful, nurturing, and solutions focused experience. My focus is an integrative approach blending CBT, experiential, Gestalt, and narrative therapies to assist you and your significant other or family to thrive within your environment and understand your thoughts and feelings to be the best you. I engage with all genres of individuals and focus on sex-positive therapy, polyamory, alternative sexual practices and the destigmatization of all things sexual and intimate within your relationships.
(424) 293-3960 View (424) 293-3960
Photo of Monica Blauner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Monica Blauner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90037
For those struggling with intimacy, shame, depression, trauma, or just feeling alone, there's nothing more therapeutic than a good relationship. What most people yearn for is to feel heard, accepted and understood. My approach is to provide an understanding, empathic, non-judgmental relationship in which we can explore your feelings and experiences with the goal of improving your quality of life. Every person has their own style of relating to themselves and others, born out of their history. My training gives me the tools to help you understand your inner life, and forge new patterns of relating.
For those struggling with intimacy, shame, depression, trauma, or just feeling alone, there's nothing more therapeutic than a good relationship. What most people yearn for is to feel heard, accepted and understood. My approach is to provide an understanding, empathic, non-judgmental relationship in which we can explore your feelings and experiences with the goal of improving your quality of life. Every person has their own style of relating to themselves and others, born out of their history. My training gives me the tools to help you understand your inner life, and forge new patterns of relating.
(310) 905-8817 View (310) 905-8817
Photo of Michael J. Comlish, PhD, MA, LMFT, Psychologist
Michael J. Comlish
Psychologist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90037  (Online Only)
I have specialized skills working with sexuality, gender, relationship abuse and conflict.
Whether you are entering a new life stage, starting, ending or maintaining relationships, or just feeling stuck in old patterns, our sessions provide a highly confidential space to work on trust and transformation. Artists and entertainment professionals are very well suited towards this in-depth approach centered in an existential and Buddhist-informed perspective. I work especially well with the gifted and talented.Together we can explore past and present obstacles that can lead towards moving beyond procrastination and insecurities about your abilities, developing a stronger sense of identity and reaching your full potential.
I have specialized skills working with sexuality, gender, relationship abuse and conflict.
Whether you are entering a new life stage, starting, ending or maintaining relationships, or just feeling stuck in old patterns, our sessions provide a highly confidential space to work on trust and transformation. Artists and entertainment professionals are very well suited towards this in-depth approach centered in an existential and Buddhist-informed perspective. I work especially well with the gifted and talented.Together we can explore past and present obstacles that can lead towards moving beyond procrastination and insecurities about your abilities, developing a stronger sense of identity and reaching your full potential.
(323) 421-4638 View (323) 421-4638
Photo of Amarri Simms, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amarri Simms
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90044  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include the treatment of depression, anxiety, interpersonal/ relationship issues, communication skills, phase of life problems, and workplace wellness.
Do you need support to remove barriers and work through obstacles? Do you want to accomplish goals and live in your purpose? Do you feel highly accomplished and just need a little help in maintaining your life balance and successes? Everyday, in every way we have the ability to get better and better, and I would be honored to support you in your journey. I have a passion and purpose to be of meaningful service to others. I combine my education, professional and real world experience to provide gentle, honest, and insightful care within a compassionate, client centered, spiritual approach.
My specialties include the treatment of depression, anxiety, interpersonal/ relationship issues, communication skills, phase of life problems, and workplace wellness.
Do you need support to remove barriers and work through obstacles? Do you want to accomplish goals and live in your purpose? Do you feel highly accomplished and just need a little help in maintaining your life balance and successes? Everyday, in every way we have the ability to get better and better, and I would be honored to support you in your journey. I have a passion and purpose to be of meaningful service to others. I combine my education, professional and real world experience to provide gentle, honest, and insightful care within a compassionate, client centered, spiritual approach.
(562) 418-5503 View (562) 418-5503
Photo of Kristine H Johnson - Kristine H Johnson Psychotherapy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristine H Johnson Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Welcome! Are you willing to change the patterns that are causing you pain, stress and dissatisfaction? We all have behavior developed in our early years that influence our relationships, our work, our sense of self. My approach is to identify and help you become aware of the blocks that are holding you back and guide you through the many transitions and challenges you face on a daily basis. I offer you hope for a future without these hindrances. I work to create a safe, compassionate environment to explore your thoughts and emotions, emphasizing the healing nature of our therapist-client relationship.
Welcome! Are you willing to change the patterns that are causing you pain, stress and dissatisfaction? We all have behavior developed in our early years that influence our relationships, our work, our sense of self. My approach is to identify and help you become aware of the blocks that are holding you back and guide you through the many transitions and challenges you face on a daily basis. I offer you hope for a future without these hindrances. I work to create a safe, compassionate environment to explore your thoughts and emotions, emphasizing the healing nature of our therapist-client relationship.
(424) 279-4929 View (424) 279-4929
Photo of Sara Gilbert, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Gilbert
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90047
Whether the challenges are within a relationship, anxiety, grief/loss, confidence, or issues stemming from one’s childhood traumas, I encourage you to tap into your strengths and internal belief systems.
Hi! My name is Sara Gilbert, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I work with adults and adolescents via Telehealth and specialize in relationship issues, anxiety, grief/loss, and increasing self-empowerment. I use Strength-based, Humanistic, and Mindfulness approaches to help you to create an inner union and learn a deeper sense of freedom and joy.
Whether the challenges are within a relationship, anxiety, grief/loss, confidence, or issues stemming from one’s childhood traumas, I encourage you to tap into your strengths and internal belief systems.
Hi! My name is Sara Gilbert, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I work with adults and adolescents via Telehealth and specialize in relationship issues, anxiety, grief/loss, and increasing self-empowerment. I use Strength-based, Humanistic, and Mindfulness approaches to help you to create an inner union and learn a deeper sense of freedom and joy.
(916) 461-7234 View (916) 461-7234
Photo of La Keeta Behn-Vasquez, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
La Keeta Behn-Vasquez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90047  (Online Only)
I'll be there to meet you and help you create the relationship you hope for.
As humans, we are wired for connection, but couples often get stuck in a negative cycle of conflict that blocks that connection and leaves them desperate to find it again. Please, don't give up on your relationship; there is hope, and I am here to help you dissolve those blocks and create new ways of feeling heard, seen, and understood. I especially enjoy working in the Christian, African-American, and Latin communities.
I'll be there to meet you and help you create the relationship you hope for.
As humans, we are wired for connection, but couples often get stuck in a negative cycle of conflict that blocks that connection and leaves them desperate to find it again. Please, don't give up on your relationship; there is hope, and I am here to help you dissolve those blocks and create new ways of feeling heard, seen, and understood. I especially enjoy working in the Christian, African-American, and Latin communities.
(310) 388-8319 View (310) 388-8319
Photo of Jiyun Kang, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Jiyun Kang
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90007  (Online Only)
Since 2010, I have been working with clients to address a variety of issues in the U.S. The main issues I have dealt with include relationship problems (romantic, family, interpersonal), anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment, identity, and self-esteem. The experiences of individuals rooted in immigrant families in the United States are special and unique. I have extensive experience with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-generation Korean and Asian clients over the past 15 years while working in university counseling centers in the U.S. As a 1st generation immigrant and a working mom, I have found that my personal empathy has grown over time.
Since 2010, I have been working with clients to address a variety of issues in the U.S. The main issues I have dealt with include relationship problems (romantic, family, interpersonal), anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment, identity, and self-esteem. The experiences of individuals rooted in immigrant families in the United States are special and unique. I have extensive experience with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-generation Korean and Asian clients over the past 15 years while working in university counseling centers in the U.S. As a 1st generation immigrant and a working mom, I have found that my personal empathy has grown over time.
(424) 347-1304 View (424) 347-1304
Photo of Kimberly Evans, PhD, Psychologist
Kimberly Evans
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90007  (Online Only)
I use therapy to help people overcome the challenges that are interfering with their ability to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Whether it's depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or another difficulty you're confronting, we can work together to help you overcome the obstacles that you face. Call or email me so we can schedule a time to meet for an initial appointment. You can also contact me through my profile on Alma: secure.helloalma.com/providers/kimberly-evans/
I use therapy to help people overcome the challenges that are interfering with their ability to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Whether it's depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or another difficulty you're confronting, we can work together to help you overcome the obstacles that you face. Call or email me so we can schedule a time to meet for an initial appointment. You can also contact me through my profile on Alma: secure.helloalma.com/providers/kimberly-evans/
(619) 345-3828 View (619) 345-3828
Photo of Dominic Valdes - Therapy Is Here, MSW, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Therapy Is Here
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90044  (Online Only)
Give yourself permission to be vulnerable by putting yourself first. Negative and highly-critical self-talk, especially for gay men, is the root of many of our problems and addictions. You may feel “less-than” others, think poorly of yourself, or are unsure how to get your needs met. I can help you to shed light on where this inner-critic is coming from, how to quiet it, and help you rebuild your relationship with self/others. Next, we can develop tools to manage anxiety and depression, embrace your sexuality, develop a healthier relationship to sex/porn, heal infidelity, integrate love and sex, or improve your relationships.
Give yourself permission to be vulnerable by putting yourself first. Negative and highly-critical self-talk, especially for gay men, is the root of many of our problems and addictions. You may feel “less-than” others, think poorly of yourself, or are unsure how to get your needs met. I can help you to shed light on where this inner-critic is coming from, how to quiet it, and help you rebuild your relationship with self/others. Next, we can develop tools to manage anxiety and depression, embrace your sexuality, develop a healthier relationship to sex/porn, heal infidelity, integrate love and sex, or improve your relationships.
(562) 645-4643 View (562) 645-4643
Photo of Marisa K Padilla, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marisa K Padilla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90044
We can work together to understand your emotional needs, explore relationship patterns, attachment, & identify what allows you to feel secure.
Are you a Millennial or Gen Z individual struggling with relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed with new connections, dating, relationship insecurity, or enduring relationship changes? Do you wonder how your relationships could be better? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling challenged in building and maintaining healthy connections, letting go of unhelpful relationship patterns, and navigating relationship insecurities & changes. Whether you are navigating divorce, people-pleasing behaviors, low self-esteem, or boundary setting, I'm here to guide you toward emotional security and confidence in your relationships.
We can work together to understand your emotional needs, explore relationship patterns, attachment, & identify what allows you to feel secure.
Are you a Millennial or Gen Z individual struggling with relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed with new connections, dating, relationship insecurity, or enduring relationship changes? Do you wonder how your relationships could be better? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling challenged in building and maintaining healthy connections, letting go of unhelpful relationship patterns, and navigating relationship insecurities & changes. Whether you are navigating divorce, people-pleasing behaviors, low self-esteem, or boundary setting, I'm here to guide you toward emotional security and confidence in your relationships.
(415) 938-8803 View (415) 938-8803
Photo of Alicia Dewell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alicia Dewell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90007
I offer a non-judgmental, relational space to work through the challenges life presents; including anxiety, identity, and relationship issues.
This world can be a lonely and overwhelming place. Therapy provides a space to process the chaos of life while deepening your relationships - with yourself, with others, with the unknowable. When we allow ourselves to be truly seen and accepted, healing can begin.
I offer a non-judgmental, relational space to work through the challenges life presents; including anxiety, identity, and relationship issues.
This world can be a lonely and overwhelming place. Therapy provides a space to process the chaos of life while deepening your relationships - with yourself, with others, with the unknowable. When we allow ourselves to be truly seen and accepted, healing can begin.
(323) 207-6479 View (323) 207-6479
Photo of Elijah Chance, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elijah Chance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90018
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over five years of experience. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including self-esteem, self-worth, depression, anxiety, family issues, relationship issues, career challenges, and grief & loss.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over five years of experience. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including self-esteem, self-worth, depression, anxiety, family issues, relationship issues, career challenges, and grief & loss.
(323) 312-3774 View (323) 312-3774
Photo of Tracy Satterfield, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracy Satterfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90044
I strive to be supportive and believe the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is the key component of therapy.
I am Tracy Satterfield Tordella, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in CA. My approach to therapy is direct, supportive, and collaborative. I specialize in grief and loss, maternal mental health, including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, and assisting couples with communication and healthy relationships. During our first session, we will explore your reasons for seeking therapy at this time and expectations of the therapeutic process. We will also discuss past experiences with therapy and the benefits and challenges during those experiences.
I strive to be supportive and believe the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is the key component of therapy.
I am Tracy Satterfield Tordella, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in CA. My approach to therapy is direct, supportive, and collaborative. I specialize in grief and loss, maternal mental health, including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, and assisting couples with communication and healthy relationships. During our first session, we will explore your reasons for seeking therapy at this time and expectations of the therapeutic process. We will also discuss past experiences with therapy and the benefits and challenges during those experiences.
(213) 699-4248 View (213) 699-4248
Photo of Jamie Kirk, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jamie Kirk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90037
My tone is empathetic and understanding, aiming to build a trusting relationship with clients.
Greetings and salutations! I want to start by congratulating you on taking the first step of putting YOU first. I know making this choice may have been difficult, but I am glad you are here. My name is Jamie Kirk! I am a Los Angeles native, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Life Coach, Author, and Ordained Minister. I have been an asset to the mental health community for over 10 years, helping clients overcome depression and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
My tone is empathetic and understanding, aiming to build a trusting relationship with clients.
Greetings and salutations! I want to start by congratulating you on taking the first step of putting YOU first. I know making this choice may have been difficult, but I am glad you are here. My name is Jamie Kirk! I am a Los Angeles native, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Life Coach, Author, and Ordained Minister. I have been an asset to the mental health community for over 10 years, helping clients overcome depression and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
(213) 566-3406 View (213) 566-3406
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Relationship Issues Therapists
While need for human connection appears to be innate, the ability to form healthy, loving relationships is learned. Some evidence suggests that the ability to form a stable relationship starts to form in infancy, in a child's earliest experiences with a caregiver who reliably meets the infant's needs for food, care, warmth, protection, stimulation, and social contact. Such relationships are not destiny, but they are theorized to establish deeply ingrained patterns of relating to others. The end of a relationship, however, is often a source of great psychological anguish.