In order to understand narcissistic abuse and how dating a narcissist changes you, it might be helpful to first understand narcissism. A person who meets criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, according to the DSM 5, exhibits a pattern on grandiosity that...
As children, we need consistency, security, safety, and healthy modeling of emotions to make sense of our internal experiences and emotional needs. Sadly, not all of us get to have those essential needs met and as a result, we start to be out of touch with our own...
At some point in life, most people will deal with loss and grief. While natural, people experience grief differently, and not all grief is created equal. Ambiguous loss is one of those cases. This type of loss presents ambiguity that complicates the grief process and...
We currently exist in a society where the expressions “man up,” or “stop crying and be a man” are utilized all too frequently. When men are told to “suck it up” and “be strong” (aka – hide their authentic thoughts and feelings), it creates a sense of unsafely for them...
While having a newborn baby can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience, it also can pose challenges for both parents, specifically the one who gave birth! Adjusting to life postpartum can feel quite vulnerable, lonely, and overwhelming. At least 1 in 5...
It’s likely you’ve heard of anorexia in the context of eating disorders, but perhaps not regarding sex and intimacy. The word anorexia is derived from the Greek word orexis, which translates to without appetite. In the same way people struggling with restrictive...
Anyone feeling overwhelmed, struggling with negative thoughts, or looking to expand their self-reflection or understanding can benefit from therapy. Various life challenges can impact a person’s mental health and sense of emotional well-being, from problems at work or...
"Secrets of Playboy" is a new A&E series that goes through Hugh Hefner's Playboy empire in Los Angeles and all the ways that the young women who worked for Playboy experienced poor treatment. Modern Intimacy's founder, Dr. Kate Balestrieri, was a featured expert...
We are all born with an innate psychological need and desire for forming attachments and enduring bonds with our primary caregivers. When we are children, quite literally, our survival and healthy development depend upon it. Our attachment style develops during early...