Relationship Issues Therapists in Pflugerville, TX

Photo of Chanveen Taneja, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chanveen Taneja
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
I offer therapy to Individuals who are dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, spirituality, grief, and loss issues. Additionally, I provide therapy to couples who are navigating relationship issues, co-parenting, or seeking pre-marital counseling. I specialize in working with families on issues arising from acculturation that may be causing a rift between the parents and teenage or adult kids because of contrasting religious and family values and Western culture. I use QHHT hypnotherapy to do past life regressions to unlock the roots of your current struggles by exploring past lives and finding healing.
I offer therapy to Individuals who are dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, spirituality, grief, and loss issues. Additionally, I provide therapy to couples who are navigating relationship issues, co-parenting, or seeking pre-marital counseling. I specialize in working with families on issues arising from acculturation that may be causing a rift between the parents and teenage or adult kids because of contrasting religious and family values and Western culture. I use QHHT hypnotherapy to do past life regressions to unlock the roots of your current struggles by exploring past lives and finding healing.
(512) 598-4793 View (512) 598-4793
Photo of Emily Marie Schultz, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Marie Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660  (Online Only)
Are you finding yourself getting stuck in familiar, unhelpful patterns in your relationships? Is fear, anxiety, shame, or depression getting in the way of achieving your or your child’s goals? You are worthy and deserve to take time for yourself! You don’t have to navigate trauma, pain, anxiety or depression alone. Together, utilizing humor and compassion, we can explore ways your family system and past experiences shaped patterns of behavior that are now impacting your relationship with yourself and others. The time is now to honor yourself to get the help you need.
Are you finding yourself getting stuck in familiar, unhelpful patterns in your relationships? Is fear, anxiety, shame, or depression getting in the way of achieving your or your child’s goals? You are worthy and deserve to take time for yourself! You don’t have to navigate trauma, pain, anxiety or depression alone. Together, utilizing humor and compassion, we can explore ways your family system and past experiences shaped patterns of behavior that are now impacting your relationship with yourself and others. The time is now to honor yourself to get the help you need.
(512) 668-7013 View (512) 668-7013
Photo of Makini Leno Lpc-Associate Supervised By Malton Ray Cook Jr. Lpc-S
Makini Leno Lpc-Associate Supervised By Malton Ray Cook Jr. Lpc-S
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Hello and welcome! Are you seeking a therapist with a multi-cultural understanding? A therapist who understands the school system and is familiar with bullying? How about a therapist who can help you get through raising a child with challenging behaviors? Seeking a therapist who can assist you in reaching your personal goals of overcoming anxiety and more? A therapist who understands your struggle as a single mother? A therapist who can help you and your significant other navigate through a tough part of your relationship? Or a therapist who understands the challenges of a military lifestyle? Well... here I am!
Hello and welcome! Are you seeking a therapist with a multi-cultural understanding? A therapist who understands the school system and is familiar with bullying? How about a therapist who can help you get through raising a child with challenging behaviors? Seeking a therapist who can assist you in reaching your personal goals of overcoming anxiety and more? A therapist who understands your struggle as a single mother? A therapist who can help you and your significant other navigate through a tough part of your relationship? Or a therapist who understands the challenges of a military lifestyle? Well... here I am!
(512) 862-1685 View (512) 862-1685
Photo of Pflugerville Counseling Center, LPC, LCSW, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pflugerville Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Pflugerville Counseling Center offers a wide range of counseling services to individuals, families, couples, and children/teens. Though each of us specializes in different areas, we all hold a belief that counseling is most helpful when it is about having a safe relationship to more fully explore, understand, and accept our authentic self. We believe that everyone has a story and the more we can own our stories, the more choice and control we have over writing the next chapters. We all love working with the brain/body/ relationship connection we all hold within ourselves and between each other.
Pflugerville Counseling Center offers a wide range of counseling services to individuals, families, couples, and children/teens. Though each of us specializes in different areas, we all hold a belief that counseling is most helpful when it is about having a safe relationship to more fully explore, understand, and accept our authentic self. We believe that everyone has a story and the more we can own our stories, the more choice and control we have over writing the next chapters. We all love working with the brain/body/ relationship connection we all hold within ourselves and between each other.
(512) 843-8613 View (512) 843-8613
Photo of Stephanie Mata, MA, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Stephanie Mata
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
I offer relationship and sex therapy with a specialized focus on couples, including high conflict couples. I support clients who feel exhausted and want to stop falling into negative cycles in their relationships or marriage. I help them to feel loved, understood & respected. I teach them to effectively manage conflict and build intimacy. I work with these couples together and as individuals to discover their values, needs, and desires individually and in the relationship. I also work with adult individuals struggling to maintain healthy relationships rooted in childhood trauma or dysfunction within their family of origin.
I offer relationship and sex therapy with a specialized focus on couples, including high conflict couples. I support clients who feel exhausted and want to stop falling into negative cycles in their relationships or marriage. I help them to feel loved, understood & respected. I teach them to effectively manage conflict and build intimacy. I work with these couples together and as individuals to discover their values, needs, and desires individually and in the relationship. I also work with adult individuals struggling to maintain healthy relationships rooted in childhood trauma or dysfunction within their family of origin.
(737) 312-4777 View (737) 312-4777
Photo of Liz Jenkins - Dr. Liz Jenkins, LMFT, CLC, CTMH, LMFT, CLC, CTMH, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Liz Jenkins, LMFT, CLC, CTMH
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CLC, CTMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660  (Online Only)
With 38 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Relationship Coach, I offer multifaceted support.
If you're here, it's likely because you're at a pivotal moment in your relationship or life. Perhaps your marriage feels stagnant, or communication with your partner has become a series of misunderstandings. Maybe you're wrestling with individual issues like career stress, anxiety, or emotional well-being that are trickling into your relationships. You're not just seeking short-term fixes; you're searching for lasting change and a more fulfilling life. You want to understand your relationship strengths and gaps, repair what's been damaged, and build a happier, stronger future.
With 38 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Relationship Coach, I offer multifaceted support.
If you're here, it's likely because you're at a pivotal moment in your relationship or life. Perhaps your marriage feels stagnant, or communication with your partner has become a series of misunderstandings. Maybe you're wrestling with individual issues like career stress, anxiety, or emotional well-being that are trickling into your relationships. You're not just seeking short-term fixes; you're searching for lasting change and a more fulfilling life. You want to understand your relationship strengths and gaps, repair what's been damaged, and build a happier, stronger future.
(512) 861-8804 View (512) 861-8804
Photo of Jessica Michelle Patterson, MA, LPC, CPDPE, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Michelle Patterson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CPDPE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Among my areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, conflict, relationship issues, and a variety of challenges with teens, young women, marriages, and families.
I believe that everyone has the ability to achieve mental and emotional well-being and to lead a life that is worth celebrating. It is my passion to help guide you and your family on this journey of healing. With compassion and understanding, I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I work with each individual to empower them to build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life and relationships.
Among my areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, conflict, relationship issues, and a variety of challenges with teens, young women, marriages, and families.
I believe that everyone has the ability to achieve mental and emotional well-being and to lead a life that is worth celebrating. It is my passion to help guide you and your family on this journey of healing. With compassion and understanding, I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I work with each individual to empower them to build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life and relationships.
(512) 623-7401 View (512) 623-7401
Photo of Kelley Casey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelley Casey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Currently accepting new clients. I specialize in helping people think about how to improve their relationships, their emotional health and their lives. People often call because they are needing someone to think with them during a difficult season of life. They may notice unhealthy relationship patterns (disconnection, conflict, severed relationships), they may be struggling with a particular transition (transitioning to adulthood, parenting, loss), or they may be struggling to cope with some intense feelings (grief, sadness, anxiety). I would be happy to help you think about how you would like to meet the challenges you are facing.
Currently accepting new clients. I specialize in helping people think about how to improve their relationships, their emotional health and their lives. People often call because they are needing someone to think with them during a difficult season of life. They may notice unhealthy relationship patterns (disconnection, conflict, severed relationships), they may be struggling with a particular transition (transitioning to adulthood, parenting, loss), or they may be struggling to cope with some intense feelings (grief, sadness, anxiety). I would be happy to help you think about how you would like to meet the challenges you are facing.
(512) 879-9832 View (512) 879-9832
Photo of Betsy Hickok, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Betsy Hickok
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660  (Online Only)
I am a trained and experienced Imago Relationship Therapist who can show you how to have healthy, happy relationships with the people you care about.
I am a family therapist. Come see me if you want your house to be a stable and loving place where you get to be the parent, your kids get to be the kids, and everybody gets along.
I am a trained and experienced Imago Relationship Therapist who can show you how to have healthy, happy relationships with the people you care about.
I am a family therapist. Come see me if you want your house to be a stable and loving place where you get to be the parent, your kids get to be the kids, and everybody gets along.
(512) 572-3676 View (512) 572-3676
Photo of Nichole Hart, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nichole Hart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660  (Online Only)
You each "speak your own language" in your relationship, and that is sometimes confusing! I will share an approach to communication in which curiosity replaces criticism, thus allowing you to feel safe to learn & grow together.
Relationship Struggles? “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -Einstein. How true the previous statement, and yet how often is this our approach when encountering relationship difficulties. When this happens, more and more of our attention gets pulled into “the problem.” Since our energy flows where our attention is, we lose sight of strengths we have to see the situation with new eyes. Working with someone who can help you see new perspectives allows you both to grow in unexpected ways.
You each "speak your own language" in your relationship, and that is sometimes confusing! I will share an approach to communication in which curiosity replaces criticism, thus allowing you to feel safe to learn & grow together.
Relationship Struggles? “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -Einstein. How true the previous statement, and yet how often is this our approach when encountering relationship difficulties. When this happens, more and more of our attention gets pulled into “the problem.” Since our energy flows where our attention is, we lose sight of strengths we have to see the situation with new eyes. Working with someone who can help you see new perspectives allows you both to grow in unexpected ways.
(512) 942-2838 View (512) 942-2838
Photo of Margaret Ann (Bonny) Gardner - Margaret Ann (Bonny) Gardner Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist
Margaret Ann (Bonny) Gardner Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660  (Online Only)
I work with a broad cross section of clients and welcome diversity in my practice. If clients are motivated, attend sessions regularly, and receptive to suggestions and homework , I can usually help them overcome their symptoms and achieve a new sense of freedom. I empower my clients to improve their coping and problem-solving skills to live more effectively and happily. I work regularly with depression, anxiety, marital / relationship issues,and victimization.Clients coping with medical problems and older adults are a specialty and women's mental health and recovery from substance abuse. I enjoy helping clients with workplace challenges
I work with a broad cross section of clients and welcome diversity in my practice. If clients are motivated, attend sessions regularly, and receptive to suggestions and homework , I can usually help them overcome their symptoms and achieve a new sense of freedom. I empower my clients to improve their coping and problem-solving skills to live more effectively and happily. I work regularly with depression, anxiety, marital / relationship issues,and victimization.Clients coping with medical problems and older adults are a specialty and women's mental health and recovery from substance abuse. I enjoy helping clients with workplace challenges
(512) 368-7392 View (512) 368-7392
Photo of Victoria Lynn Dorsey-Drewy - Victoria Dorsey Drewy Professional Counseling Svcs, MAC, MAPM, LPC-S, LSOTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Victoria Dorsey Drewy Professional Counseling Svcs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAC, MAPM, LPC-S, LSOTP
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Are you struggling in your personal relationships? Does it feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Does it seem that you and your spouse are speaking different languages? Today, you have made the first step towards a solution. My speciality is working with individuals and couples who are experiencing transition & crisis. What once made sense in your relationship no longer works and you're wondering why. I assist individuals and couples navigate a transitional phase in life and in thier relationships. Begin the process of healing today by contacting me to set an appt. or consultation.
Are you struggling in your personal relationships? Does it feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Does it seem that you and your spouse are speaking different languages? Today, you have made the first step towards a solution. My speciality is working with individuals and couples who are experiencing transition & crisis. What once made sense in your relationship no longer works and you're wondering why. I assist individuals and couples navigate a transitional phase in life and in thier relationships. Begin the process of healing today by contacting me to set an appt. or consultation.
(512) 786-5890 View (512) 786-5890
Photo of Monrovia C Van Hoose, LCSW-S, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Monrovia C Van Hoose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, CGP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
I welcome individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds, genders, relationship formations, and sexual orientations.
I believe that people come into counseling with their own solutions. My job is to create a unique therapy for each individual to help them uncover and build upon strengths they already possess. I seek to make the therapy room a safe & non-judgmental place for all emotional experiences, and a place to make peace with parts of ourselves that we fear & dislike. As clients build compassion for themselves, they find their compassion for others growing, and the strength to examine & change their lives for greater happiness & fulfillment.
I welcome individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds, genders, relationship formations, and sexual orientations.
I believe that people come into counseling with their own solutions. My job is to create a unique therapy for each individual to help them uncover and build upon strengths they already possess. I seek to make the therapy room a safe & non-judgmental place for all emotional experiences, and a place to make peace with parts of ourselves that we fear & dislike. As clients build compassion for themselves, they find their compassion for others growing, and the strength to examine & change their lives for greater happiness & fulfillment.
(512) 523-4007 View (512) 523-4007
Photo of Rob Porter, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rob Porter
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
It's important to have a good relationship with your therapist.
Is your relationship in trouble? Does every fight go the same way? Is your relationship with your kids like walking on eggshells just trying to avoid a blowup that happens anyway? Are you or your spouse battling addiction? Are you personally struggling with feelings of hopelessness, depression, or anxiety? Chances are patterns have developed in your life and relationships that are creating problems for you. You may feel like nothing you try to fix the problem is working. But patterns can be changed. Things can get better. I can help you with that.
It's important to have a good relationship with your therapist.
Is your relationship in trouble? Does every fight go the same way? Is your relationship with your kids like walking on eggshells just trying to avoid a blowup that happens anyway? Are you or your spouse battling addiction? Are you personally struggling with feelings of hopelessness, depression, or anxiety? Chances are patterns have developed in your life and relationships that are creating problems for you. You may feel like nothing you try to fix the problem is working. But patterns can be changed. Things can get better. I can help you with that.
(512) 861-6923 View (512) 861-6923
Photo of Brenda Ramsey, Pastoral Counselor
Brenda Ramsey
Pastoral Counselor
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660
It also helps with overcoming addictions, strife, and relationship difficulties.
Brenda Ramsey is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor, Advanced Certification in Marriage/Family and Temperament Counseling and member of National Christian Counselor's Association (NCCA). Additionally, Mrs. Ramsey is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor of The Austin Vineyard Church, and Former Director of Family Life Skills of Austin. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling from Colorado Theological Seminary. She is currently on staff as a Licensed Pastoral Counselor at Head to Heart Restoration Ministry, in Round Rock, Texas. She offers in-person and remote counseling sessions.
It also helps with overcoming addictions, strife, and relationship difficulties.
Brenda Ramsey is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor, Advanced Certification in Marriage/Family and Temperament Counseling and member of National Christian Counselor's Association (NCCA). Additionally, Mrs. Ramsey is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor of The Austin Vineyard Church, and Former Director of Family Life Skills of Austin. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling from Colorado Theological Seminary. She is currently on staff as a Licensed Pastoral Counselor at Head to Heart Restoration Ministry, in Round Rock, Texas. She offers in-person and remote counseling sessions.
(512) 910-7768 View (512) 910-7768
Photo of Erin Lefler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Lefler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
My approach to counseling is as unique as you are. I like to explore the past as a way to inform the present, while using the present to create real change. I enjoy building relationships with my clients through humor, understanding, authenticity, and acceptance. Working from an attachment perspective, the end goal with couples is that they become experts on each other and can therefore better navigate the relationship. Individually, we'll work on the goals that you bring in and practice new ways of engaging with self and others.
My approach to counseling is as unique as you are. I like to explore the past as a way to inform the present, while using the present to create real change. I enjoy building relationships with my clients through humor, understanding, authenticity, and acceptance. Working from an attachment perspective, the end goal with couples is that they become experts on each other and can therefore better navigate the relationship. Individually, we'll work on the goals that you bring in and practice new ways of engaging with self and others.
(512) 601-5718 View (512) 601-5718
Photo of Valeria R. Franco, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Valeria R. Franco
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
I have experience with LGBTQ+, BIPOC individuals, relationship issues, and daily stress experiences.
Seeking help can be overwhelming and takes courage to reach out; therefore, I welcome you to this experience. I have worked with individuals from different backgrounds and issues throughout their lifespan. If you currently need help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and/or grief I hope my approach is a good match for your needs. I focus on helping individuals' strengths and skills that fit their worldview. I speak Spanish and I am culturally sensitive to diversity and complex issues that individuals experience throughout their lives. Please email me for consultation options.
I have experience with LGBTQ+, BIPOC individuals, relationship issues, and daily stress experiences.
Seeking help can be overwhelming and takes courage to reach out; therefore, I welcome you to this experience. I have worked with individuals from different backgrounds and issues throughout their lifespan. If you currently need help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and/or grief I hope my approach is a good match for your needs. I focus on helping individuals' strengths and skills that fit their worldview. I speak Spanish and I am culturally sensitive to diversity and complex issues that individuals experience throughout their lives. Please email me for consultation options.
View
Photo of Kevin Leapley, MA, LPC, CSAT, CEFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kevin Leapley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT, CEFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
I specialize in treating sexual addiction/problematic sexual behaviors. I am a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) that believes the real issue is not the need for more sex but the desire for real connection yet turning to counterfeit connection due to past relational hurts, abuse, rejection, neglect, and abandonment. I am also a certified emotionally focused couples therapist and I specialize working with couples hurting from infidelity and betrayal. I believe that the relationship can be restored and become stronger than ever.
I specialize in treating sexual addiction/problematic sexual behaviors. I am a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) that believes the real issue is not the need for more sex but the desire for real connection yet turning to counterfeit connection due to past relational hurts, abuse, rejection, neglect, and abandonment. I am also a certified emotionally focused couples therapist and I specialize working with couples hurting from infidelity and betrayal. I believe that the relationship can be restored and become stronger than ever.
(512) 856-9957 View (512) 856-9957
Photo of Kevin Leapley, MA, LPC, CSAT, CEFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kevin Leapley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT, CEFT
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660
I've supported clients at the brink of divorce or break-up to arriving at a place of deep happiness and satisfaction in their relationship.
Are you wanting to save your relationship? Do you often argue about the same issues? Do you desire the closeness you once had, but don't know how to reconnect? Being in a relationship is difficult work, and we all experience times when our relationship ideal is not our reality. The good news is that you can get back those warm feelings that drew you together in the beginning. I can help you make sense of the struggles, and explore conflict in a way that brings clarity, understanding and intimacy back in to your relationship. I also have received specialized training to help couples experiencing betrayal and infidelity.
I've supported clients at the brink of divorce or break-up to arriving at a place of deep happiness and satisfaction in their relationship.
Are you wanting to save your relationship? Do you often argue about the same issues? Do you desire the closeness you once had, but don't know how to reconnect? Being in a relationship is difficult work, and we all experience times when our relationship ideal is not our reality. The good news is that you can get back those warm feelings that drew you together in the beginning. I can help you make sense of the struggles, and explore conflict in a way that brings clarity, understanding and intimacy back in to your relationship. I also have received specialized training to help couples experiencing betrayal and infidelity.
(512) 862-9783 View (512) 862-9783
Photo of Clara Hayes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Clara Hayes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pflugerville, TX 78660
The practice I own is called Embodied Relationship and Sex Therapy.
I see individuals and relationships primarily working through issues of identity, sexuality, attachment, trauma, and relationship difficulties. My approach is warm and caring, but straightforward when necessary. I work through an attachment lens, as the research shows that our relationships with our early caregivers can inform how we attach to those we love as adults. This means we may not only explore your current hurt, but the root of where that pain comes from. Through somatic techniques, I help my clients become more comfortable accessing and learning from their emotions, experiences, and body's signals.
The practice I own is called Embodied Relationship and Sex Therapy.
I see individuals and relationships primarily working through issues of identity, sexuality, attachment, trauma, and relationship difficulties. My approach is warm and caring, but straightforward when necessary. I work through an attachment lens, as the research shows that our relationships with our early caregivers can inform how we attach to those we love as adults. This means we may not only explore your current hurt, but the root of where that pain comes from. Through somatic techniques, I help my clients become more comfortable accessing and learning from their emotions, experiences, and body's signals.
(512) 991-9237 View (512) 991-9237
1
...

See more therapy options for Pflugerville

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.