Imperfect Love

In today's high-stress world, it's easy to get stuck in chronic survival mode. We expect ourselves to be more and do more, and often don't realize the toll this takes on our emotional, mental, and physical health. I've learned, from personal and professional experience, that chronic stress and strain can lead you into a state of ongoing nervous system dysregulation that-can become your norm. Today...

We often believe that great relationships--and great sex--should come naturally. After all, movies and social media feed us carefully curated versions of idealized romances, perfectly toned bodies, and deliciously steamy sex. Yet in real life, romantic relationships and the sex that comes with them can feel anything but deeply affirming and satisfying. To help us understand the secrets to fosterin...

Do feelings of self-doubt hold you back? Do you struggle with feelings of guilt because of something you regret doing or not doing? Does unworthiness or shame keep you stuck? I've found that common issues like these are at the root of the deep pain and suffering that keeps many people stuck or going in circles. Yet there is a path forward that can help you release guilt, self-doubt, and shame to d...

Have you felt off or ill and visited your doctor's office only to be told that everything looks normal? From my personal and professional experience I know how common and upsetting this type of treatment can be. When you know your body isn't okay, it can be incredibly stressful to not get the proper care you deserve and need. And if you're already feeling exhausted or deflated by poor or insuffici...

We often believe that we need to be perfect--or at least nearly perfect--to be worthy and lovable. Yet from my experience, the constant striving to look or be perfect can actually erode self-confidence, mental health, and even physical well-being. In fact, I've found that those who make friends with their imperfections--those who strive to achieve a healthy balance between self-acceptance and posi...

We often ignore or blame ourselves for a decline in sexual desire. We may even chalk it up to hormones, relationship issues, or boredom. And while all of these factors can surely contribute to a reduced sex drive, anxiety, burnout, stress--and even unresolved trauma--can take a big toll. Today, I'm joined by a top-notch sex and intimacy coach, Annette Benedetti, who will help you come home to your...

Finding real love can be tricky, and in today's world, meeting organically can be next to impossible. As a result, it's easy to feel hopeless and resigned to being alone or, worse yet, accept a partner who is not a good fit. Yet there are steps you can take to set the stage for finding a partner who is truly a great match. Today, we're joined by Jackie Dorman, relationship coach, professional matc...

Many people – whether married or in other long-term love relationships – begin to feel that they don't want to settle for a romantic partnership that lacks sparkle, connection, and joy. And this makes sense, especially if destructive dynamics are at work behind the scenes. Although many love relationships lose their luster over time, I've found that a bit of polishing and loving attention can help...

Do life's stressors leave you feeling out of balance and disconnected from yourself? From personal and professional experience, I've found that many people struggle with finding the internal peace and purpose they desire, want, and need. Yet in real life, it's not easy to find or use the tools that can reduce stress and increase inner joy, confidence, and self-awareness. But what if the life of yo...

If you've ever been betrayed by a loved one, especially a romantic partner, you know how deeply painful it can be. When those we count on most betray our trust, it can take years to process the betrayal, heal, and move forward. So if you're aching over a new or old wound stemming from disloyalty, know that you are not alone. Today, I'm joined by an amazing expert, Joe Sanok, a licensed psychothera...

Are you a naturally nurturing person who finds that acts of loving kindness are being mistaken for invitations to be taken advantage of or manipulated? For many generous souls, the moment they begin setting boundaries, the pushback can feel enormous. This is the painful reality for one mother, whose question forms the focus of this episode: "I finally realized my daughter is manipulating me... I h...

Are you conflict avoidant? Do you find it tough to face difficult conversations? Are you filled with anxiety when it's time to talk to certain people about your thoughts or feelings? As a clinical psychologist, I've learned that many people struggle with communication, especially when it comes to discussing challenging topics with romantic partners, friends, or family members. Yet when you learn t...

Do you have a healthy inner child or do unresolved childhood hurts and wounds keep you stuck? No matter how old (or young) you are, a process called "reparenting" can help you discover and work with emotions and wounds that may keep you entrapped in patterns that leave you hurting and unfulfilled. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Katy Cook, a top-notch inner child specialist who will guide us through the...

AI--artificial intelligence--has upsides, but many people are increasingly concerned about the very real downsides that come with the overuse or misuse of AI. Parents are increasingly worried about the impact on children's cognitive abilities and social skills. And even adults who embrace AI have questions about what's really safe and what's not. And when we look at AI and how it might harm not ju...

Despite our hopes and dreams, the mother-daughter relationship isn't always easy or free of troubles. In fact, if you are a daughter--or have one--it's likely that you've had your share of challenges along the way. Yet, by breaking intergenerational patterns that hold us back from the type of connection we yearn for, we can pave the way toward healthier, more attuned relationships with those you l...

You've likely heard a lot about attachment styles and how they impact your life and your relationships. Yet you might not have had a chance to dive into the details that will help you understand, heal, and even change your own attachment style, whether it's anxious, avoidant, disorganized, or somewhere in between. As a clinical psychologist and attachment theory expert, I'm consistently stunned by...

Billions of people around the world are affected by trauma, and none of us are immune. Whether you've experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood, the impact can be pervasive and long lasting. And in today's divisive, unsettled world, traumatic experiences seem to be lurking at every turn. This often creates feelings of overwhelm, powerlessness, and anxiety. Yet I've found that hope and healing a...

If you're a parent, you might expect yourself to automatically have the right skills and inherent ability to help your child thrive. Yet no matter your child's age, you've likely found that parenting is no easy task. As every child is unique, even the most well-prepared parents often find themselves struggling. If issues such as neurodivergence and trauma enter the picture, things can get even mor...

Sex has always been a hot topic, and in today's world, it's getting even more attention. When we think of sex and relationships, romantic images often come to mind. We might think of intimacy, sexual play, and passion-filled nights. Yet many couples--whether married or not – come to a point where a lack of sexual intimacy becomes a major concern. Today, I'll explore this sensitive topic with you o...

Our hormones are essential to our mental and physical health, yet we often don't understand (or we minimize) the key role hormones play in fostering our wellbeing. And to make matters worse, many--or dare I say most – medical practitioners are not given adequate training when it comes to understanding the role hormones play in the health of our bones, heart, muscles, and brain. And when our bodily...

Have you been bombarded with messages encouraging you to buy into the next greatest supplement, wellness hack, or fitness routine? Do you get exhausted from wrestling with contradictory information when it comes to wellness advice? If you're like me, it's easy to get confused when it comes to making the right personal choices on the ever-changing wellness journey. Today, I'm very excited to bring...

Recovering from trauma isn't easy. In fact, it can be a lifetime of work. Yet all too often, I've found that even people suffering from serious trauma, including complex PTSD, expect themselves to heal quickly or without any psychological support. In real life, however, healing from trauma takes time, gentle effort, and perseverance. As it's not always easy to access professional psychological sup...

Feeling anxious, worried, or depressed? Do you experience stress-related issues with your sleep, diet, work, or relationships? If so, you're in the company of over a billion other people whose lives are negatively impacted by stress every day--and the problem is growing worse over time. And as stress feeds a host of emotional, mental, and physical problems, it's important to find easy ways to slow...

Does your life path sometimes feel like a wild obstacle course with unforeseen changes and challenges at every turn? If you've encountered unexpected shifts in your relationships, work life, finances, or health, you know how daunting and stressful they can be. Yet when we learn to embrace the hurdles life brings us, we can use them to shape our stories and path in life.  Today, I'm joined by...

The sounds around us can be harmful – or helpful – to our mental, emotional, and physical health. Loud noises such as sirens and heavy daily traffic can trigger the brain's threat response, and this can damage our well-being in the short and long term. Yet when we mindfully choose to bring soothing sounds into our lives, the benefits can be tremendous. Whether you enjoy the gentle flow of a song m...