As a psychotherapist, I see anxiety show up again and again in OC moms — not because they’re doing something wrong, but because they’re doing too much without enough support. Let’s talk about what’s really going on and what helps. Together, we can find ways to calm the nervous system and reclaim space for rest and presence.
Read MoreAs one year closes and another approaches, anxiety often gets louder—not because something is wrong, but because the pace has been relentless. December has a way of slowing the calendar while speeding up the mind. This is when reflection can quietly turn into rumination, and relationship stress feels harder to ignore. Couples counseling and anxiety support are often most effective during this pause—before familiar patterns roll forward into a new year.
Read MoreMost people think they’re good listeners—but real listening is rarer than we realize. Active listening isn’t about waiting to respond or fixing the problem. It’s about slowing down, regulating your nervous system, and truly hearing the person in front of you. Especially during the holidays, this one skill can be the difference between connection and conflict.
Read MoreMotherhood has a way of turning even the most balanced women into professional givers. You show up for everyone else — but when it comes to your own needs, they’re often last on the list. This piece dives into what happens when giving becomes your default mode, why receiving matters just as much, and how to start creating real balance — without guilt, burnout, or losing yourself in the process.
Read MoreDisappointment is inevitable in relationships — even the strongest ones. The difference between couples who drift apart and those who grow closer lies in how they handle it. Learn how to navigate disappointment with empathy, communication, and repair.
Read MoreA romantic moment at a Coldplay concert turned into a viral betrayal — but the real story is emotional disconnection, something many couples quietly face. In this post, I explore how relationships unravel over time, why affairs often begin long before they’re visible, and how therapy can help couples rebuild connection.
Read MoreWhen you begin showing up more authentically in your family relationships, something beautiful happens. Your vulnerability gives others permission to be vulnerable too. Your acceptance of imperfection creates space for everyone to relax and be themselves. Your willingness to prioritize connection over perfection models healthy relationship skills for your children.
Read MoreAs a couples therapist, I see the same patterns over and over again — partners arguing about the thing, when the thing isn’t the problem. In my latest blog, I explain the deeper emotional drivers of conflict and what actually helps couples repair. If you’re ready for deeper, more effective conversations in your relationship, I’m here to help. Learn more @shelbycastile.com ~♡
Read MoreRacing thoughts can feel incredibly isolating—but they’re more common than we think. Talking about them, normalizing them, and having tools to manage them is a powerful form of self-compassion. If you struggle with racing thoughts, I want you to know: you’re not broken. You’re not failing. You’re human. And there are ways to find calm—even if just one breath at a time.
Read MoreListening to understand means being fully present with your partner, setting aside your own thoughts, defenses, and need to respond. Instead of formulating your next argument or counterpoint while they’re speaking, you focus entirely on their words, tone, and emotions.
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