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Learning How to Agree to Disagree (Without Flipping Tables)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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.

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Common Relationship Challenges and How Therapy Can Help
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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.

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Different Types of Couples Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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!

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Projective Identification: What It Is and Why It Can Mess With Your Relationships
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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!

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How Psychodynamic Couples Therapy Works: Unpacking the ‘Why’ Behind the ‘What’
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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.

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Topics for Couples Therapy: What to Talk About (Even When You’re Not Sure Where to Start)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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!

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How Dysfunctional Family Roles Play Out in Our Adult Romantic Relationships
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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!

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Dysfunctional Family Roles: What They Are and How They Shape Us
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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.

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Systematic Desensitization in Relationships: Facing Your Fears of Intimacy, One Step at a Time
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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.

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Systematic Desensitization: How Facing Your Fears (Gradually) Can Help You Overcome Them
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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.

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Unique Challenges Women Face in Divorce (and How to Navigate Them)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

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.

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Resentment: The Silent, Deadly Poison That’s Killing Your Relationship
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

Resentment: The Silent, Deadly Poison That’s Killing Your Relationship

Resentment doesn’t announce itself with drama—it creeps in slowly, fueled by unmet needs and unspoken frustrations. What starts as small, unaddressed annoyances can fester into something much bigger, silently eroding the foundation of your relationship. If left unchecked, resentment can turn love into bitterness and connection into distance. But here’s the good news: you can stop it before it does real damage. Ready to tackle resentment head-on? Let’s dive into how to recognize its sneaky signs and what you can do to heal your relationship before it’s too late.

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5 Myths About Couples Therapy (and Why They’re Wrong)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

5 Myths About Couples Therapy (and Why They’re Wrong)

Thinking about couples therapy but not sure if it’s right for you? Let’s clear up some common myths that might be holding you back. From the belief that therapy is only for couples in crisis to the fear that it’s all about awkward feelings talk, these misconceptions can make the idea of getting help seem way scarier than it actually is. Spoiler alert: therapy is for every couple who wants to grow stronger together. Ready to find out the truth and take your relationship to the next level? Let’s dive in!

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The Human Touch Meets Artificial Intelligence: A Therapist’s Perspective on AI & Therapy
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

The Human Touch Meets Artificial Intelligence: A Therapist’s Perspective on AI & Therapy

Therapy is about as human as it gets—it’s messy, emotional, and full of moments where someone just gets you. So where does AI fit into all that? Sure, it can handle the admin stuff, like scheduling and note-taking, and it might even flag patterns in your sessions. But can it really understand the weight behind your words or sit with you in the silence of a hard moment? AI might be an amazing tool, but it’s not a substitute for the heart of therapy: the connection, the trust, and the shared humanity that no robot can replicate. The challenge isn’t whether AI has a place in therapy—it’s how we make sure it stays in its lane.

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How Unresolved Childhood Issues Affect Adult Relationships (Yes, It’s All Connected)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

How Unresolved Childhood Issues Affect Adult Relationships (Yes, It’s All Connected)

Ever wonder why certain things in your relationship push your buttons more than they should, or why certain patterns seem to follow you from one partner to the next? It could be that unresolved childhood issues are sneaking into your adult relationships. The way you were treated as a child, how your caregivers responded to you, and the emotional patterns you developed early on—all of it has a way of playing out in your connection with your partner today. Want to know how your past might be influencing your present and what you can do to break those cycles? Let’s dive in.

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Why Therapy Is So Hard (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

Why Therapy Is So Hard (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Ever wonder why therapy feels like running an emotional marathon? It’s because real growth requires real work. Therapy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about diving deep, facing the tough stuff, and breaking old patterns that hold you back. If you’re feeling emotionally wiped after a session, that’s not a bad thing—it’s a sign that you’re pushing through the discomfort and making real progress. Want to know why the hardest therapy sessions lead to the biggest breakthroughs? Let’s dig into why therapy isn’t supposed to be easy—and why that’s exactly what makes it work.

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Why Relationships Are Hard (And Why That’s Totally Normal)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

Why Relationships Are Hard (And Why That’s Totally Normal)

Relationships are hard—that’s a fact. And if you’ve ever felt like maintaining a happy, healthy relationship takes more work than you expected, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s broken. Relationships are supposed to challenge us, push us to grow, and sometimes force us to have those uncomfortable conversations we’d rather avoid. The real magic? It’s in working through those tough moments. So, if you’re wondering why relationships feel like a full-time job sometimes, keep reading—because it’s more normal than you think.

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Misconceptions About Psychodynamic Therapy: Let’s Set the Record Straight
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

Misconceptions About Psychodynamic Therapy: Let’s Set the Record Straight

Think psychodynamic therapy is just about rehashing your childhood or sitting in silence while a therapist scribbles notes? Think again! While there are a lot of misconceptions out there, psychodynamic therapy is far more dynamic, modern, and insightful than you might realize. It’s not just about “mommy issues” or endless sessions with no progress—it’s about uncovering the deeper emotional and relational patterns that shape who you are today. Want to learn what psychodynamic therapy really looks like and why it’s so effective? Read on to bust the myths and see how it can lead to lasting change.

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How to Talk to Your Partner About Going to Couples Counseling (Without Freaking Them Out)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

How to Talk to Your Partner About Going to Couples Counseling (Without Freaking Them Out)

Bringing up couples counseling can feel like walking on eggshells—you don’t want your partner to feel like the relationship is in trouble, but you know it could be helpful. So how do you start the conversation without it feeling awkward or overwhelming? It’s all about timing, framing it as growth, and making it a shared journey. Want to know how to approach this delicate topic with calmness and support? Read on to learn how to talk about couples counseling in a way that strengthens, not threatens, your connection.

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Defense Mechanisms: What They Are and How They Protect Us (Until They Don’t)
Nicole Babb Nicole Babb

Defense Mechanisms: What They Are and How They Protect Us (Until They Don’t)

Ever wonder why you say or do things in the heat of the moment that don’t quite make sense? That’s your defense mechanisms at work—unconscious mental strategies that protect you from uncomfortable emotions. While they help you cope in the short term, they can also prevent you from addressing deeper issues. Whether it’s denial, projection, or rationalization, defense mechanisms are central to how we navigate emotional discomfort, especially in relationships. Curious to learn more about how these mental gymnastics work and how they fit into psychodynamic theory? Read on!

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