Entering 2026. More Grounded > Less Stressed

As 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.

Listening: You Think You’re Doing It. You’re Probably Not

Most 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.

Moms — How to Prioritize Yourself + Reclaim Your Time

Motherhood 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.

Disappointments: How Couples Can Rebuild When Expectations Fall Short

Disappointment 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.

Mother/Daughter-in-Law Dynamics-When Love Feels Complicated

Two women, one family, and a whole lot of unspoken rules. If you want a healthy mother/daughter in law relationship, you are not alone — this bond is tender, layered, and totally workable. Here’s a grounded, step-by-step guide from a Newport Beach LMFT with over 20 years of experience supporting Orange County families.

When Public Scandal Reveals Private Pain- The Coldplay Concert Couple

A 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.

The Perfectionism Trap in Marriage and Parenting

When 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.

Too Busy to Feel: Why Constant Activity Might Be Hiding What’s Really Going On

Too busy to feel? Learn how avoiding emotions hides behind packed schedules — and how therapy can help you slow down, check in, and start feeling again.

The Perfectionism Trap: Why So Many Young Adults Struggle to Let Go of “Perfect”

If you’re a young adult struggling with perfectionism, you’re not alone. That pressure to be flawless, to have everything figured out, to always be “on” – it’s a heavy load to carry. And while striving for excellence can be a beautiful thing, perfectionism can slowly drain the joy and meaning from your life.

The Real Reason Couples Argue {and it’s not what you think}

As 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 ~♡