Relationship and Couples Therapist Blog

Welcome to our relationship advice therapist blog aimed at helping you improve your relationships. You'll learn about finding, developing, and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with the people most important to you. We also have articles on personal growth topics. There are articles pertaining to couples therapy, individual therapy and family counseling in Reno, NV.

Finally, you'll find information about each of our therapists. This includes therapist bios and areas of focus.

Discover expert relationship advice on our therapist blog

Family Estrangement: Why “Toxic” Isn’t Usually the Whole Story

February 14, 2026

Family estrangement used to be a private shame. Today, it’s a public conversation. For many, walking away from a family of origin is an act of survival—a necessary step to protect their dignity and safety. But there is another side to the story. Many parents and grandparents find themselves cut off, feeling confused and heartbroken.…

7 Signs You Need Marriage Counseling / Couples Therapy (2026 Expert Guide)

February 7, 2026

Most couples try to “self-help” their way out of a rut before seeking professional support. While books and podcasts are great, certain patterns—like constant circular arguments or a total lack of intimacy—benefit most from expert intervention. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Should we do marriage counseling now?”, you’re already taking a brave first step toward…

A Secure Relationship as the Context for Healing and Self-Acceptance

October 14, 2025

Healing isn’t just an individual process. While insight and self-reflection matter, real self-acceptance often takes root in safe, secure relationships. This post explores how connection provides the emotional ground for growth and lasting change.

When Couples Therapy Makes Things Worse: Why Some Approaches Fail—and How EFT Gets It Right

June 12, 2025

As Sue Johnson, the pioneer of EFT, aptly observes, “Many couples come to therapy talking about communication problems when what they really need is help with the underlying emotions driving those problems.”

Starting Couples Therapy? What to Expect in Your First Sessions

April 9, 2025

During EFT sessions, we’ll work together to identify and change patterns that keep you and your partner feeling disconnected. This isn’t about blame; instead, it’s about understanding each other’s needs

How to Rebuild Trust After an Affair

April 3, 2025

Learn how couples can get help to rebuild trust after an affair using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

Choosing the Right Couples Therapist

March 13, 2025

Choosing a couples therapist is a big decision. The right therapist will have advanced training in relationship work, help you feel emotionally safe, and guide you toward lasting connection. This article walks you through what to reflect on before starting therapy, key questions to ask potential therapists, and how to find qualified couples counseling near you.

Will My Insurance Cover Therapy?

May 17, 2024

Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates Why Verify Your Therapy Insurance Benefits? A common question (view our FAQ’s here) we are asked at our therapy center in Reno is, “will my insurance cover therapy?” Understanding your insurance coverage for mental health services is an important step in making informed decisions about your care. This form will…

A Discussion of Family Therapy for Military Families

May 6, 2024

What to Expect from the Episode Dr. Polinsky explains the profound impact of caregiver accessibility on children, shedding light on how feelings of emotional disconnection can influence behaviors, life choices, and even risks like substance use. She and Con delve into the complexities of military family life, discussing challenges such as navigating parental roles during…

Therapist Dr. Sue Johnson (1947-2024) revolutionized relationship counseling

April 29, 2024

If you’ve heard me describe the work I do or have been a student, you’ve heard me talk about therapist, Dr. Sue Johnson. I felt (continue to feel) an enormous loss with her passing, April 23rd, 2024. No individual was more important to the development of relationship therapy than her.

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