Blog — Better Being Main Line

When Living Together Isn’t Going Well During Quarantine

There are different levels of things not going well in a relationship during quarantine. On one end of the spectrum we have couples who are for most of the time getting along with only a minor dispute occasionally. Other couples are being tested by the time in quarantine and are noticing more frequent fighting, or that their fighting is more intense. While this is concerning, it can be managed and worked on. The most extreme end of the spectrum are those living with an abusive partner. Reports of domestic violence have increased since quarantine, and even last month the most common google search for our practice’s website was about abusive relationships (something that has never happened since we’ve been tracking this data).

Managing Existential Anxiety in Today’s Stressful World

In the last several years I have more clients reporting anxiety over a myriad of national and global concerns (political upheaval, endless financial burden/stress, climate crisis, etc.). These concerns can often cause existential anxiety, leaving many to question the meaning and purpose of their life. Here are 5 suggestions about managing existential anxiety in our stressful world…

AnxietyCharlotte's Web Designs, LLCFebruary 3, 2020anxiety, postpartum anxiety, existential anxiety, burnout, stress

New Years Goals for the Newly Single

New Years can feel like a real downer if you’re still grieving the loss of a marriage or a long-term relationship (and for those of you no longer grieving that loss and are embracing your new life-good for you!). This blog is for those who are newly single who are struggling with their new single status. Consider these possible New Years goals and try to identify one that you would like to try…

Divorce & AdjustmentCharlotte's Web Designs, LLCDecember 29, 2019dating, health dating, self care, counseling

Why & How Narcissists Love to Play the Victim

Narcissists tend to behave in a horrible yet predictable pattern when in conflict with another (especially a relationship partner). The narcissist will twist reality to weave a distorted story of their “victim” status and manipulate others in to believing that the partner/ex-partner was an abuser. The typical pattern looks like this…

When Having Children Is Not Possible: Moving Forward As A Couple

Even with infertility treatment some couples are not able to conceive after years of attempting. If couples choose not to pursue other routes to having children (adoption, surrogacy, donor eggs or donor sperm) the couple needs time to grieve not being able to have children…

Preparing for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

While many people love the start of fall, for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) fall usually means the start of their SAD symptoms are just around the corner. With shorter days, less sunlight and colder temperatures many people who struggle with SAD may notice symptoms as early as October (if you live in the northeast region of the United States). If you struggle with SAD here are a few things you can do to be better prepared and better manage your SAD symptoms…

What to Do When Your Boundaries Are Not Respected

Even when we set healthy boundaries for ourselves, it does not mean that other people will always acknowledge or respect these boundaries. If you find yourself in this situation here are some steps you can take:

Healthy BoundariesCharlotte's Web Designs, LLCSeptember 1, 2019

The Importance of Vacations for Couples

Its that time of the year again—vacation time! We all know that vacations can be a great way to recharge ourselves…but they can also recharge our relationship. Regardless of budget I highly recommend that couples take at least one vacation a year together (and by together, I mean just the two of you—no extended family or with friends). Here is why vacations can be so helpful for couples…

5 Benefits of a "Business of Marriage" Weekly Meeting

A “Business of Marriage” meeting is an intentionally scheduled sit-down talk with your partner to review important topics such as finances, career challenges, childcare or pet care matters, upcoming visit or trips and even an emotional check-in. Ideally the meeting will happen on a weekly basis, is scheduled ahead of time, and can be as long as or as short as the couple needs (usually 30 minutes is enough). While the idea of a “business of marriage” meeting on a weekly basis may seem unromantic…

5 Common Questions About Vaginismus

What is Vaginismus?:Vaginismus is when the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening involuntarily contract or spasm, making penetration of any kind painful, if not impossible. What are the Symptoms of Vaginismus?: Many women with vaginismus are unable to tolerate inserting a tampon, having a pelvic exam or having penetrative sex. Often women will describe attempts at penetrative sex as if their male partner is “hitting a wall.”

The Importance of Collaborative Care

Multiple studies at this point have demonstrated theeffectiveness of collaborative care in treating complex sexual issues such asfemale sexual/pelvic pain (Reissing, Binik, Khalif, Cohen & Amsel, 2003;Brotto, Young, Smith & Sadownik, 2015; Bergeron, Corsini-Munt, Aerts,Rancourt, & Rosen, 2015; Meena, 2009). There are many factors that causeand/or magnify sexual/pelvic pain…

10 Things you Should Know About Women & Trauma

Whether you are a woman who has experienced atraumatic event or are wondering how to support a female partner who has experienced a traumatic event, it is helpful to know more about how gender impacts the way women experience trauma…Better Being Main Line, therapy in PA, counseling in PA, couples therapy, marital therapy, sex therapy, EMDR therapy

10 Things You Should Know About Men & Trauma

Whether you are a man who has experienced a traumatic event or are wondering how to support a male partner who has experienced a traumatic event, it is helpful to know more about how gender impacts the way men experience trauma.

The Downside to Being a Giver

While men can certainly be empaths and givers, much of the tasks related to giving and caregiving still falls on women in our culture. Girls and women today are still socialized to…

Creating New Years Goals for Those Who are Grieving

The start a new year can represent a new chapter, especially for those who may be grieving (loss of a loved one, loss of a marriage, recovering from a major trauma, etc.). But for those who are grieving it is sometimes hard to think about or even imagine the next chapter. If you’re having trouble imagining what is next, try filling in the following statements…

When Couples Grieve Differently

There are a range of normal and healthy responses to grieving a loss. However, couples sometimes experience distress when they perceive their partner’s way of grieving as different. Difference is actually okay. But it is often the stories couples tell themselves about this difference that causes an issue: i.e. “He/She just doesn’t care,” “He’s/She’s taking too long to get over this,” “He/She is too emotional,” etc. Here are 5 things to keep in mind if you and your partner are grieving differently…

10 Signs Its Time to Leave Your Marriage

All marriages, even the healthiest, experience difficulties and challenging times. Sometimes couples are unable to resolve their issues and decide to pursue separation and divorce. But deciding to leave a marriage is an extremely difficult decision. Clients often tell me in a very concerned way, “I can no longer see a future with my partner.” While not being able to see a future with your partner is certainly not a good sign, this statement is usually a symptom of significant relationship distress—and not a reason to end the relationship in and of itself…

Letting Anger Move You

A common statement I hear from clients (more often my female clients) is “I should not be angry.” Clients will shame themselves for feeling angry even in situations in which an appropriate response would be to feel angry. In fact, suppressing or bottling up your anger (especially in situations where anger is warranted) is not healthy! Suppressing or bottling up your anger can cause depression, anxiety and put you at risk for eventually lashing out in an inappropriate way…

Anxiety, DepressionCharlotte's Web Designs, LLCOctober 19, 2018grief, counseling, EMDR therapy, trauma

Natural Ways to Treat Depression

In addition to medication and talk therapy, there are natural ways to treat depression. Remember, medication is not a magic bullet. Many people find they still need to make lifestyle changes even if they are taking medication. Consider the following natural ways to treat depression…

DepressionCharlotte's Web Designs, LLCOctober 19, 2018SAD, seasonal affective disorder, counseling, depression

When Cancer Treatment Gets in the Way of Sexual Desire

Many people undergoing treatment for cancer notice a decrease in sexual desire. Sexual desire may decrease due to physical pain, physical exhaustion, mental exhaustion, GI distress, nausea, skin irritation, hormonal changes, anxiety, depression, respiratory distress, loss of sexual self-esteem, negative body image, etc. In addition, relationship distress, which can be common during cancer treatment, can impact sexual desire and may become an additional barrier for couples…