
Sonoran Sky Family Therapy
Blog

Understanding Transference in Relationships: What It Means and How to Work Through It
Transference happens when you unconsciously project feelings and expectations from past relationships onto your current partner, often reacting based on old emotional wounds. It’s common but tricky because you might not even realize it’s happening. Signs include overreacting to small things, treating your partner like someone from your past, or replaying old relationship patterns. Psychodynamic therapy helps by identifying these patterns, understanding where they come from, and breaking the cycle. Once you recognize transference, you’ll communicate more clearly, build more trust, and stop letting the past dictate your reactions—leading to a healthier, more authentic relationship.

When You’re Growing Apart: How to Recognize and Address Relationship Drift
Growing apart in a relationship can feel like a slow drift, where the closeness you once had starts to fade. Conversations become shallow, time together feels routine, and physical intimacy lessens. This emotional distance doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s often caused by life stressors, unresolved issues, or a lack of vulnerability. However, recognizing this drift is the first step in reigniting the connection. By making time for each other, practicing emotional and physical intimacy, and addressing any lingering issues, you can rebuild your relationship and prevent further distance. Growing apart doesn’t mean growing away—it just means it’s time to reconnect.

Co-Dependency: What It Is, How It Shows Up, and How to Break Free
Co-dependency often quietly shapes relationships, where caring for others turns into sacrificing your own needs. Over time, you may feel emotionally drained and disconnected from your sense of self. Psychodynamic therapy helps you recognize these unhealthy patterns, understand their roots, and build healthier boundaries. By addressing co-dependency, you can regain balance in your relationships and reconnect with your own identity, fostering a more fulfilling, independent partnership.

The Power of Emotional Insight: How Psychodynamic Therapy Can Deepen Your Relationship
Emotional insight is the key to understanding the deeper emotional dynamics that drive your relationship. Psychodynamic couples therapy helps you and your partner explore patterns, triggers, and emotions that often go unnoticed, leading to deeper emotional intimacy. With emotional insight, you’ll stop taking things so personally, break free from recurring conflicts, and communicate with more empathy. As you dig beneath the surface, you’ll gain a stronger connection, handle conflicts with greater understanding, and create a relationship rooted in emotional depth and mutual growth.

The Push-Pull Dance: Navigating Relationships Between Anxious and Avoidant Partners
When one partner craves constant connection and the other values independence, it can feel like a never-ending push-pull dynamic. In this post, we explore the challenges and strengths of relationships between anxious and avoidant partners, how these attachment styles shape conflict, and practical ways to build a more secure, connected bond together.

Borderline Personality Disorder: Understanding Its Impact on Relationships and Families
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, not just for the person experiencing it but for their loved ones too. In this post, we explore what BPD is, how it shows up in daily life, and the profound ways it impacts relationships and family dynamics—plus, how understanding and support can pave the way for healing.

Attachment Styles and Conflict: Why You Fight the Way You Do
Ever feel like you and your partner are stuck in the same argument on repeat? It’s not just about the fight—it’s about what’s driving it. Your attachment style plays a powerful role in how you handle conflict and connect with your partner. Ready to uncover the patterns and learn how to create real change? Let’s dive in.

When Your Partner Seems Emotionally Unavailable: What’s Going On and How to Handle It
Ever feel like your partner is physically present but emotionally distant? Emotional unavailability can make you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the relationship alone. But it’s important to understand that their distance might be about more than just the relationship—it could be tied to deeper emotional struggles.
Wondering how to navigate this tricky dynamic? Let’s break down what might be going on and how you can handle it without losing your sanity (or your connection).

The Power of Compromise: Why Meeting in the Middle Is Relationship Magic
Compromise might not be the stuff of fairytales, but it’s the secret ingredient that keeps relationships running smoothly. It’s not about losing or giving in—it’s about finding a balance where both partners feel heard, valued, and supported. In fact, when done right, compromise can strengthen your relationship and bring you closer together.
Curious about how compromise can make your relationship feel more balanced and connected? Let’s explore why meeting in the middle is the real magic behind lasting love.

Learning How to Agree to Disagree (Without Flipping Tables)
Tired of every disagreement turning into a full-blown argument? Learning to agree to disagree might just save your relationships (and your sanity). It’s not about “winning” or convincing someone you’re right—it’s about respect, curiosity, and knowing when to let it go. Click to learn how to master the art of disagreeing without losing your cool—or your connection.

Common Relationship Challenges and How Therapy Can Help
Feeling like you and your partner are stuck in a cycle of communication issues, trust problems, or just plain emotional distance? You’re not alone. Relationships, even the best ones, come with their fair share of challenges—but that doesn’t mean they’re doomed. Therapy can help you break through those walls, rebuild connection, and create a stronger partnership. Curious about how therapy can make a difference? Let’s dive into some common relationship struggles and how couples counseling can guide you toward the relationship you both deserve.

Different Types of Couples Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?
You’ve decided to give couples therapy a shot—awesome move! But here’s something you might not know: there are different kinds of couples therapy, and finding the right one can make all the difference. Think of it like picking the perfect pizza topping—everyone’s tastes are different. From Emotionally Focused Therapy to the Gottman Method to Solution-Focused Therapy, each approach has its unique flavor and benefits.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve broken down some of the most popular types so you can figure out which one might be the best fit for you and your partner. Ready to dive into the world of couples therapy options? Keep reading!

Projective Identification: What It Is and Why It Can Mess With Your Relationships
Ever had an argument where your partner accuses you of feeling something you weren’t feeling, but then suddenly you start questioning yourself? Or maybe you’ve noticed your partner reacting in ways that seem totally out of character. Welcome to the confusing world of projective identification. It’s more than just projection—it’s a dynamic where one person unconsciously assigns their uncomfortable feelings to their partner, and then that partner starts to actually feel and behave in ways that reflect those projected emotions. Sounds tricky, right? Let’s break down how this sneaky psychological pattern shows up in relationships and how to stop it from wreaking havoc. Curious? Keep reading!

How Psychodynamic Couples Therapy Works: Unpacking the ‘Why’ Behind the ‘What’
When most people think of couples therapy, they imagine working on communication or resolving conflicts. But psychodynamic couples therapy takes it a step further—it dives into why those issues keep coming up in the first place. Instead of just tackling surface-level problems, it helps you and your partner explore the unconscious patterns, past experiences, and emotional triggers that shape your relationship. Want to know why you keep having the same argument or why your partner’s criticism feels so personal? Psychodynamic couples therapy uncovers the emotional roots of those reactions, helping you break old patterns and build a deeper, more connected relationship. Curious about how it works? Let’s dive in.

Topics for Couples Therapy: What to Talk About (Even When You’re Not Sure Where to Start)
So, you’ve decided to give couples therapy a go—amazing! But now you’re wondering: what do we even talk about? You’re not alone. It can feel overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to unraveling years of habits, misunderstandings, or frustrations. Luckily, there are plenty of meaningful topics to dive into. From communication struggles to future dreams, therapy is your chance to explore all the layers of your relationship in a safe, supportive space. Ready to get the most out of your sessions? Read the full post for key topics to bring up that can strengthen your connection!

How Dysfunctional Family Roles Play Out in Our Adult Romantic Relationships
Ever feel like you’re stuck playing the same role in your romantic relationships as you did in your family growing up? You’re not alone. Whether you were the Hero always holding it together or the Mascot deflecting tension with humor, those old patterns have a sneaky way of showing up in your love life. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to stay stuck in these roles. By recognizing how family dynamics influence your relationships and taking steps to break the cycle, you can create a healthier, more balanced connection. Curious how? Read the full post to dive deeper!

Dysfunctional Family Roles: What They Are and How They Shape Us
Family dynamics can feel like a maze—especially when certain roles start to define how you interact with your loved ones. Whether you’ve found yourself as the Hero, the Scapegoat, or the one who fades into the background, these dysfunctional family roles can have a lasting impact on your self-esteem and relationships. But here’s the good news: these roles don’t have to define you forever. Ready to learn more about how these roles form, how they influence your life, and most importantly, how to break free? Dive into this post for the full breakdown.

Systematic Desensitization in Relationships: Facing Your Fears of Intimacy, One Step at a Time
Feeling anxious about vulnerability, conflict, or intimacy in your relationship? You’re not alone. Whether it’s fear of rejection or emotional closeness, these anxieties can create distance between you and your partner. But what if there was a way to face those fears, one step at a time, without feeling overwhelmed? Enter systematic desensitization. In this post, we’ll explore how this powerful technique, often used for phobias, can help you or your partner overcome relational fears and build a deeper, more connected relationship. Ready to take the first step? Let’s dive in.

Systematic Desensitization: How Facing Your Fears (Gradually) Can Help You Overcome Them
Imagine facing your biggest fear—whether it’s public speaking, spiders, or flying—without that heart-pounding anxiety taking over. Sounds impossible, right? Enter systematic desensitization, a step-by-step approach that helps you confront your fears in a way that feels manageable, not overwhelming. In this post, we’ll break down how this powerful technique works, why it’s so effective, and how you can start using it to take control of your anxiety. Ready to stop letting fear hold you back? Let’s dive in.

Unique Challenges Women Face in Divorce (and How to Navigate Them)
Divorce is never easy, but for women, it often comes with an extra set of challenges—financial instability, societal judgment, and the emotional toll of single parenthood, to name a few. From navigating the complexities of alimony and child support to rebuilding your sense of self after years of being part of a “we,” it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: with the right support, you can tackle these hurdles head-on and come out stronger on the other side. Let’s dive into the unique struggles women face in divorce and how to reclaim your life, one step at a time.