Confirmation bias is the tendency to interpret information in ways that support our existing beliefs, which can distort how we see our partners over time. Small, unresolved issues in relationships can accumulate and lead us to view our partner more negatively, even ignoring their efforts to connect. This biased thinking often creates a cycle of emotional distance and misunderstanding, with both partners feeling unseen or unloved. By recognizing our assumptions and choosing curiosity over judgment, we can break the cycle and rebuild trust through empathy and open communication.

We are challenging the way couples therapy is done traditionally. Read more to understand how an intensive could be a jump start to the next phase in your relationship!

A reminder about powering through with intention!

Roommate Syndrome, if not addressed can cause damage and resentment to your relationship that feels impossible to overcome at times if you let it go too long. Dive into what it is and what to do when you feel it creeping into your relationship.

Our emotional bank account isn’t talked about enough. Take some steps to evaluate your withdrawals and credits to your relationships emotional bank account.

At Thrive Marriage and Family Counseling, we aim to provide our community with a diverse group of counselors trained in many modalities and interventions. One faith-specific modality is the Christian counseling approach offered by Sam Sanchez, LPCC. But what exactly does that mean?

I want you to take a second and think about the word “gratitude”. What words would you use to describe the word “Gratitude”. How do you express it? How do you know someone else is expressing gratitude?

Counseling is an opportunity to review things in your life, prioritize, and reorganize what you are doing and what you are hoping for in your future. Like the gym, setting up that first appointment and heading into the therapist’s office for the first time is oftentimes the hardest part.

In a world of expectations, make sure that the shoulds you hold yourself to are actually shoulds that bring you happiness.

In our previous blog post, we provided you with information on traumatic responding in relationships along with 4 helpful tips. Today, we are giving a more in-depth view of how to (1) call a time-out, (2) ground with the senses, (3) communicate assumptions, and (4) seek repair. So, let’s get started!

Every store we enter sings melodies of love and peace. It’s the most wonderful time of the year is reinforced at every corner. A reminder to have yourself a “Merry Little Christmas” plays in every background. Peace, joy, love, and gratitude are all things that we are reminded of during the holidays, but what if we don’t feel them? What if happy holidays does not hold true for us?

Have you ever felt as if you and your partner are speaking entirely different languages? Perhaps, you’ve even thought that they MUST be crazy!! Or “how can they take what I’ve said and turn it into….THAT?!!” Well, if you are in a relationship with someone who has experienced trauma (which, let’s be frank, is A LOT of people) then keep reading!

Have you pondered the idea of going to therapy for quite awhile? Maybe, you have finally scheduled it and plan to go, but can’t help but to feel conflicted about your decision.

According to the DSM-5-TR (our newest diagnostic manual), trauma and ADHD are alike in that they both include difficulty with attention, concentration, and learning. The difference is that trauma symptoms generally appear following a traumatic event or series of events across the lifespan.

We have all experienced it. That little voice telling ourselves we are stupid, unworthy, unloved or a failure. Traditional wisdom says to just stop or ignore that negative thinking, but that is way easier said than done – and, frankly, not very helpful. So what does help?

As a couples therapist, I get many people in my office on the verge of ending a marriage or relationship. I can see the defeat and desperation in their face that they just don’t know what to do or how to move forward. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula or answer that can fix any relationship but there are certain things to consider before throwing in the towel. By no means is this list an end all be all but they are just consideration to challenge a different way of thinking.

Conflict is a part of every relationship that you have, you cannot avoid it. No matter your resistance or attempts to avoid the tension of conflict, you will eventually find yourself in a position where it is no longer an option to avoid.