Relationship Issues Therapists in Worcester, MA

Photo of Shelly Watson - Shelly Watson, LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shelly Watson, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01609
Are you looking to make a change in your life? Have you been struggling with painful emotions, difficult life transitions, addictive behaviors, or unhealthy patterns in relationships? Or maybe things seem okay, but you're feeling stagnant and unfulfilled - wishing you felt more passionate and excited about your life? For over 30 years I have had the privilege of working with clients like you, who are looking to make a change. I believe that a caring and supportive relationship is the foundation for change in therapy, and it is from that framework that our work together will evolve and grow.
Are you looking to make a change in your life? Have you been struggling with painful emotions, difficult life transitions, addictive behaviors, or unhealthy patterns in relationships? Or maybe things seem okay, but you're feeling stagnant and unfulfilled - wishing you felt more passionate and excited about your life? For over 30 years I have had the privilege of working with clients like you, who are looking to make a change. I believe that a caring and supportive relationship is the foundation for change in therapy, and it is from that framework that our work together will evolve and grow.
(774) 670-5278 View (774) 670-5278
Photo of Mary L. Ludy - Mary Ludy, LMHC, LMFT, LMHC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Ludy, LMHC, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01609  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
We are partners in setting treatment focus and goals, as we establish a trusting therapeutic relationship.
I am a senior, experienced and ethical psychotherapist who works with adults, couples and families within the context of individual, group and couples therapy. My work with you is strength-based and solution-focused and will help you with coping and self-help strategies, communication and conflict resolution skills, resolve emotional conflicts, and increase satisfaction with your life and functioning. I treat all mood illnesses and adjustment disorders, such as life stages, transitions, and negative stressors. I'm experienced with extensive and diverse populations and cultures, and have knowledge with illness and disabilities.
We are partners in setting treatment focus and goals, as we establish a trusting therapeutic relationship.
I am a senior, experienced and ethical psychotherapist who works with adults, couples and families within the context of individual, group and couples therapy. My work with you is strength-based and solution-focused and will help you with coping and self-help strategies, communication and conflict resolution skills, resolve emotional conflicts, and increase satisfaction with your life and functioning. I treat all mood illnesses and adjustment disorders, such as life stages, transitions, and negative stressors. I'm experienced with extensive and diverse populations and cultures, and have knowledge with illness and disabilities.
(508) 709-6109 x242 View (508) 709-6109 x242
Photo of Cathy A Boisvert, LICSW, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cathy A Boisvert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01605  (Online Only)
Through our therapeutic relationship, we can look at your attachment style and increase satisfaction with your relationships.
I work best with people who have survived adverse childhood experiences, loss, abuse and trauma, and want to continue in their recovery from trauma. Learning about the nervous system and how it adapts/reacts to cues to alert us of potential danger which can assist in regaining control of ourselves and the capacity to tolerate overwhelming emotions and develop skills to cope and self regulate. I bring to the therapeutic alliance academic training and lived experience recovering from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, food addiction, substance use and cooccurring disorders such as PTSD and depression.
Through our therapeutic relationship, we can look at your attachment style and increase satisfaction with your relationships.
I work best with people who have survived adverse childhood experiences, loss, abuse and trauma, and want to continue in their recovery from trauma. Learning about the nervous system and how it adapts/reacts to cues to alert us of potential danger which can assist in regaining control of ourselves and the capacity to tolerate overwhelming emotions and develop skills to cope and self regulate. I bring to the therapeutic alliance academic training and lived experience recovering from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, food addiction, substance use and cooccurring disorders such as PTSD and depression.
(774) 633-2293 View (774) 633-2293
Photo of Eileen Garrigan, LMHC, Counselor
Eileen Garrigan
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01605  (Online Only)
Eileen Garrigan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been practicing for the past 20 years and works with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. Eileen is familiar with working with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, stress, grief, chronic illness, depression, and life transitions. Eileen has a post-graduate certificate in Family Systems Solution Focused Therapy.
Eileen Garrigan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been practicing for the past 20 years and works with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. Eileen is familiar with working with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, stress, grief, chronic illness, depression, and life transitions. Eileen has a post-graduate certificate in Family Systems Solution Focused Therapy.
(774) 252-9821 View (774) 252-9821
Photo of W Rachel Krenis, MA, LMHC, Counselor
W Rachel Krenis
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01603  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am qualified and passionate about treating a variety of mental health concerns such as Anxiety and Depression, Family and Relationship Stress, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Grief and Life Transitional Support, Parenting Support, Women's Issues such as body image concerns, in addition to Substance Abuse Support.
Are you looking for culturally sensitive, creative therapy? I provide culturally sensitive support to individuals seeking virtual counseling for depression, anxiety, transitions, inner peace-finding, and life coaching and planning. I help my clients feel more comfortable within their own bodies and life. I specialize in women's issues, stress and relationship issues. I also support art therapy and helping clients create safe comfortable spaces for everyday living through home design planning. I also provide support to other mental health LMHC professionals who need supervision towards licensure.
I am qualified and passionate about treating a variety of mental health concerns such as Anxiety and Depression, Family and Relationship Stress, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Grief and Life Transitional Support, Parenting Support, Women's Issues such as body image concerns, in addition to Substance Abuse Support.
Are you looking for culturally sensitive, creative therapy? I provide culturally sensitive support to individuals seeking virtual counseling for depression, anxiety, transitions, inner peace-finding, and life coaching and planning. I help my clients feel more comfortable within their own bodies and life. I specialize in women's issues, stress and relationship issues. I also support art therapy and helping clients create safe comfortable spaces for everyday living through home design planning. I also provide support to other mental health LMHC professionals who need supervision towards licensure.
(774) 479-4199 View (774) 479-4199
Photo of Amber Considine, Pre-Licensed Professional
Amber Considine
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01603  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in relationship and sex therapy. Many people tell me that I am the first person they have ever talked to about "this stuff". I primarily enjoy working with motivated clients who are interested in navigating the complexities of their intimate lives with openness and honesty. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and multi partner relationships exploring intimacy, sexual functioning, power dynamics, and communication. My passion lies with helping others feel empowered by their sexuality and supporting the creation of sexual authenticity.
I am a pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in relationship and sex therapy. Many people tell me that I am the first person they have ever talked to about "this stuff". I primarily enjoy working with motivated clients who are interested in navigating the complexities of their intimate lives with openness and honesty. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and multi partner relationships exploring intimacy, sexual functioning, power dynamics, and communication. My passion lies with helping others feel empowered by their sexuality and supporting the creation of sexual authenticity.
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Photo of Andrew Knorr, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Andrew Knorr
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01605
If you are interested in working hard and allowing the healing of a therapeutic relationship with an experienced therapist to help you become the person you want to be, call or email now for an appointment!.
I specialize in work with college students and the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community. If you want to work with an experienced therapist with 27 years of service in the mental heatlh professions, please visit my website now - www.aknorrtherapy.com to learn more about how I might be of assistance to you. I have extensive experience with a broad range of clinical issues, including: depression, anxiety, sexual identity issues, relationship issues, transitions, loss, and change related concerns.
If you are interested in working hard and allowing the healing of a therapeutic relationship with an experienced therapist to help you become the person you want to be, call or email now for an appointment!.
I specialize in work with college students and the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community. If you want to work with an experienced therapist with 27 years of service in the mental heatlh professions, please visit my website now - www.aknorrtherapy.com to learn more about how I might be of assistance to you. I have extensive experience with a broad range of clinical issues, including: depression, anxiety, sexual identity issues, relationship issues, transitions, loss, and change related concerns.
(508) 812-0015 View (508) 812-0015
Photo of Sophie Kolchin-Miller, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sophie Kolchin-Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01602  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Reaching out to a therapist is a courageous and healthy way of taking care of yourself. Perhaps you’re here because of a loss or trauma, a life transition, or a relationship challenge. Or maybe it’s a feeling of stuckness or pain, or a sense of fear or shame that prevents you from expressing important parts of yourself. Whatever it is that brings you to therapy, I am confident that working through your suffering within the safety of a trusting relationship can give you relief and help you live more authentically.
Reaching out to a therapist is a courageous and healthy way of taking care of yourself. Perhaps you’re here because of a loss or trauma, a life transition, or a relationship challenge. Or maybe it’s a feeling of stuckness or pain, or a sense of fear or shame that prevents you from expressing important parts of yourself. Whatever it is that brings you to therapy, I am confident that working through your suffering within the safety of a trusting relationship can give you relief and help you live more authentically.
(508) 715-3237 View (508) 715-3237
Photo of Shana Simkin Shwachman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shana Simkin Shwachman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01608
My practice focuses on treating adolescents, teens, and young adults experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, depression, and family conflict. I provide a supportive environment where each client learns they do not have to navigate their challenges alone, while instilling confidence in them and their ability to face them head-on. I help individuals and families develop insight, understanding, and compassion for themselves and others. My goal is to equip my clients with skills to become more resilient and successful.
My practice focuses on treating adolescents, teens, and young adults experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, depression, and family conflict. I provide a supportive environment where each client learns they do not have to navigate their challenges alone, while instilling confidence in them and their ability to face them head-on. I help individuals and families develop insight, understanding, and compassion for themselves and others. My goal is to equip my clients with skills to become more resilient and successful.
(978) 344-6248 View (978) 344-6248
Photo of Shelley Lyons, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Shelley Lyons
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01609  (Online Only)
Relationship problems are also a specialty of mine.
I am committed to providing a supportive and understanding environment to help anyone feeling overwhelmed with life's struggles and stress. I work with all ages and backgrounds, striving to help others make healthy life choices to enable a happier life. I have worked with a wide range of clients. I will meet a client at the level of their needs and focus on moving towards individual goals at an appropriate and healthy pace.
Relationship problems are also a specialty of mine.
I am committed to providing a supportive and understanding environment to help anyone feeling overwhelmed with life's struggles and stress. I work with all ages and backgrounds, striving to help others make healthy life choices to enable a happier life. I have worked with a wide range of clients. I will meet a client at the level of their needs and focus on moving towards individual goals at an appropriate and healthy pace.
(508) 692-9169 View (508) 692-9169
Photo of Cassandra DeQuevedo, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Cassandra DeQuevedo
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01606
My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy can help you learn healthy relationship skills, build emotional intelligence, grow confidence, heal, and feel good in your own skin.
You’re good at so many things, but you struggle in relationships, with confidence in who you are, or managing grief. Therapy will help you tap into your natural ability for deep connection, inner strength, and healing. Perhaps in Relationships- you struggle with communication, boundaries, or you keep getting stuck in the same patterns? In Identity- you know your worth, but have trouble with your self-esteem? In Grief- you get overwhelmed, and don’t know where to start to feel better? You're ready to master relationships, heal, and be unapologetically yourself.
My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy can help you learn healthy relationship skills, build emotional intelligence, grow confidence, heal, and feel good in your own skin.
You’re good at so many things, but you struggle in relationships, with confidence in who you are, or managing grief. Therapy will help you tap into your natural ability for deep connection, inner strength, and healing. Perhaps in Relationships- you struggle with communication, boundaries, or you keep getting stuck in the same patterns? In Identity- you know your worth, but have trouble with your self-esteem? In Grief- you get overwhelmed, and don’t know where to start to feel better? You're ready to master relationships, heal, and be unapologetically yourself.
(413) 402-6436 View (413) 402-6436
Photo of Mitchell Blum - Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops, PsyD, MSW, Life, Coach
Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops
PsyD, MSW, Life, Coach
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01609
Mitch PsyD & Lisa Relationship Coach (30 Years) are truly very Caring Professional's having a Male/Female Perspective on your Relationship.
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
Mitch PsyD & Lisa Relationship Coach (30 Years) are truly very Caring Professional's having a Male/Female Perspective on your Relationship.
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
(339) 330-3509 View (339) 330-3509
Photo of David Jay Weiss, PhD, FAACS, Psychologist
David Jay Weiss
Psychologist, PhD, FAACS
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01609
You are calling because you want help, relief, and improvement as soon as possible. I have 35 years of experience specializing in individual therapy, marriage/couples counseling, and sex therapy. Using an integrative approach, we will develop a clear articulation of your problem and a clear plan to get more out of life. We will use techniques addressing anxiety, depression, sexual issues, ineffective communication, self-defeating patterns, feelings of hopeless or sadness. You may know what you are feeling, but not the solution. My job is to relieve suffering and enhance your wellbeing and your relationship with others.
You are calling because you want help, relief, and improvement as soon as possible. I have 35 years of experience specializing in individual therapy, marriage/couples counseling, and sex therapy. Using an integrative approach, we will develop a clear articulation of your problem and a clear plan to get more out of life. We will use techniques addressing anxiety, depression, sexual issues, ineffective communication, self-defeating patterns, feelings of hopeless or sadness. You may know what you are feeling, but not the solution. My job is to relieve suffering and enhance your wellbeing and your relationship with others.
(617) 466-9972 View (617) 466-9972
Photo of Cassandra DeQuevedo, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Cassandra DeQuevedo
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01603
My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy can help you learn healthy relationship skills, build emotional intelligence, grow confidence, heal, and feel good in your own skin.
You’re good at so many things, but you struggle in relationships, with confidence in who you are, or managing grief. Therapy will help you tap into your natural ability for deep connection, inner strength, and healing. Perhaps in Relationships- you struggle with communication, boundaries, or you keep getting stuck in the same patterns? In Identity- you know your worth, but have trouble with your self-esteem? In Grief- you get overwhelmed, and don’t know where to start to feel better? You're ready to master relationships, heal, and be unapologetically yourself.
My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy can help you learn healthy relationship skills, build emotional intelligence, grow confidence, heal, and feel good in your own skin.
You’re good at so many things, but you struggle in relationships, with confidence in who you are, or managing grief. Therapy will help you tap into your natural ability for deep connection, inner strength, and healing. Perhaps in Relationships- you struggle with communication, boundaries, or you keep getting stuck in the same patterns? In Identity- you know your worth, but have trouble with your self-esteem? In Grief- you get overwhelmed, and don’t know where to start to feel better? You're ready to master relationships, heal, and be unapologetically yourself.
(339) 675-1963 View (339) 675-1963
Photo of Alyce Almeida, LMHC, Counselor
Alyce Almeida
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01608  (Online Only)
An authentic therapeutic relationship is crucial through the growth process.
Being a human with all the ability to think and feel makes navigating through life complicated. We find ourselves constantly faced with new lessons to learn, opportunities to take, and unexpected change throughout this journey of life. Soul Psychotherapy provides a quirky yet stimulating environment to help foster insight to what your needs are, how to cope with them, and better understand who you are and what helps you grow as a person. Growth comes in many ways that is unique to an individual, and I'm here to help navigate that with you
An authentic therapeutic relationship is crucial through the growth process.
Being a human with all the ability to think and feel makes navigating through life complicated. We find ourselves constantly faced with new lessons to learn, opportunities to take, and unexpected change throughout this journey of life. Soul Psychotherapy provides a quirky yet stimulating environment to help foster insight to what your needs are, how to cope with them, and better understand who you are and what helps you grow as a person. Growth comes in many ways that is unique to an individual, and I'm here to help navigate that with you
(774) 295-5589 View (774) 295-5589
Photo of Ashley Starzec - Perfect Harmony Relationship Solutions, LLC, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Perfect Harmony Relationship Solutions, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01602
We offer relationship-focused individual therapy, couple/relationship therapy, and pre-marital/long-term commitment preparation therapy.
Ashley Starzec, LMFT is the founder of Perfect Harmony Relationship Solutions, LLC. We are an attachment-focused psychotherapy practice that is dedicated to helping adult individuals and couples/relationships restore harmony and secure connection to their lives. We utilize attachment-based therapies to best support our clients with achieving harmony in mind, body, and spirit. We routinely treat issues such as poor communication, disconnection or dysfunction with partner or family members, infidelity and betrayal recovery, trust issues, blended family issues, and more.
We offer relationship-focused individual therapy, couple/relationship therapy, and pre-marital/long-term commitment preparation therapy.
Ashley Starzec, LMFT is the founder of Perfect Harmony Relationship Solutions, LLC. We are an attachment-focused psychotherapy practice that is dedicated to helping adult individuals and couples/relationships restore harmony and secure connection to their lives. We utilize attachment-based therapies to best support our clients with achieving harmony in mind, body, and spirit. We routinely treat issues such as poor communication, disconnection or dysfunction with partner or family members, infidelity and betrayal recovery, trust issues, blended family issues, and more.
(508) 921-7131 View (508) 921-7131
Photo of Julie Zork Kline - Julie Zork Kline, MS, LMFT, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Zork Kline, MS, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01606  (Online Only)
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, breaking free from a toxic relationship, parenting challenges, or other life stressors, I believe you can find relief in a short amount of time with some simple yet intentional changes. Together we can focus on creating strategies to help you have the life and relationships that you desire. I specialize in individual and relationship counseling, as well as working with parents of adult children who are failing to launch out on their own or who parents find difficultly in relating to in everyday interactions.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, breaking free from a toxic relationship, parenting challenges, or other life stressors, I believe you can find relief in a short amount of time with some simple yet intentional changes. Together we can focus on creating strategies to help you have the life and relationships that you desire. I specialize in individual and relationship counseling, as well as working with parents of adult children who are failing to launch out on their own or who parents find difficultly in relating to in everyday interactions.
(508) 714-2219 View (508) 714-2219
Photo of Keith Willette, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Keith Willette
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01602
I enjoy helping partners build or rebuild a healthy loving relationship based in increased intimacy through improved communication.
I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and am a graduate of Assumption College. I hold a masters degree in counseling psychology. I am certified in both family counseling and children & adolescent therapy from the Aaron T. Beck Institute.
I enjoy helping partners build or rebuild a healthy loving relationship based in increased intimacy through improved communication.
I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and am a graduate of Assumption College. I hold a masters degree in counseling psychology. I am certified in both family counseling and children & adolescent therapy from the Aaron T. Beck Institute.
(774) 435-1928 View (774) 435-1928
Photo of Marcy Paris, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marcy Paris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01605
Waitlist for new clients
Individual therapy for, grief, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety and depression.
I am a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience. I work with men, women and adolescents with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship struggles. My main focus is to help you reach your own personal goals. My style is interactive, warm and direct. I believe the therapeutic relationship is paramount to successful treatment. I pride myself on creating a safe environment by being authentic, discerning, supportive and compassionate in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Individual therapy for, grief, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety and depression.
I am a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience. I work with men, women and adolescents with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship struggles. My main focus is to help you reach your own personal goals. My style is interactive, warm and direct. I believe the therapeutic relationship is paramount to successful treatment. I pride myself on creating a safe environment by being authentic, discerning, supportive and compassionate in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
(508) 213-4037 View (508) 213-4037
Photo of Robert M Mello Jr, LICSW, MSW, MA, CSAT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robert M Mello Jr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MA, CSAT
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01608
Do you ever wonder about or question your relationship to sex? Is there just never enough sex? Do you struggle with emotional intimacy and connecting with others? Do you notice that you repeatedly lie to others, even those closest to you, about your sexual behaviors? As a trained Certified Sexual Addiction therapist (CSAT) I can help you to be curious about, answer, make sense of, and navigate these and many other complex questions. Through a detailed, comprehensive assessment and evaluation process I can help you determine if you have a Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder that would benefit from specific intervention and treatment.
Do you ever wonder about or question your relationship to sex? Is there just never enough sex? Do you struggle with emotional intimacy and connecting with others? Do you notice that you repeatedly lie to others, even those closest to you, about your sexual behaviors? As a trained Certified Sexual Addiction therapist (CSAT) I can help you to be curious about, answer, make sense of, and navigate these and many other complex questions. Through a detailed, comprehensive assessment and evaluation process I can help you determine if you have a Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder that would benefit from specific intervention and treatment.
(617) 934-7762 View (617) 934-7762
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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.