As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples feel an unspoken pressure to be romantic, connected, and on the same page. For some, this brings warmth and closeness. For others, it quietly highlights distance, disappointment, or uncertainty that has been present for some time.

When you first imagined growing your family, did you picture having two children? Maybe three? For many parents, those early dreams feel shaken after experiencing a postpartum mood disorder, such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, following

January arrives carrying a familiar message: reset, reinvent, and commit to change. Everywhere we look, there are reminders to start fresh, build new habits, and set ambitious goals. The underlying assumption is subtle but powerful—this is the time to fix what is not working.

December arrives with pressure wrapped in sparkle. Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by images of joy—flawless families, cozy togetherness, endless celebration, and perfectly decorated homes. Social media fills with matching pajamas, gingerbread houses, holiday outings, and beautifully lit trees.

If winter hits you hard every year, you’re not alone. As the days shorten and sunlight fades, many people begin to feel their energy dip. Sleep becomes irregular. Motivation disappears. Mornings feel unusually heavy. At Thrive Postpartum, Couples, and Family Therapy, we hear the same phrase every winter: “I’m just not myself once the sun disappears.”

There are moments in therapy when words feel heavy or overwhelming. The body may be tense, the mind may race, and it can take time to settle into safety. This is where a therapy dog can become a grounding presence in the room.

Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are meant to bring us closer, but for many couples they spark arguments instead. Learn why special days can feel so charged and how to turn them into opportunities for connection instead of conflict.

Postpartum therapist near me: If you have been wondering whether what you are feeling is postpartum anxiety vs depression, you are not alone.

Feeling like “I give up”? You’re not alone. Learn why your life matters, the ripple effect of suicide, and how hope can return.

Searching for EMDR therapy near me? Discover how EMDR helps reprocess painful memories, break negative thought patterns, and build lasting confidence.

AI therapy can’t replace real therapy. Learn the risks, red flags, and why human connection is essential in mental health treatment.

Not all births feel like joyful beginnings. For some people, a traumatic birth experience can be overwhelming.

Conflict Resolution in Relationships

Bringing a baby into the world is life-changing and while the birthing parent often receives care and attention, their partner can feel unsure about how to support, connect, or even cope themselves.

In their powerful book What Happened to You?, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry explore the idea that many of the struggles we face as adults are not signs of weakness or failure.