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.

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.

🛑 Stop Commenting on People’s Bodies 🛑

Hot take: the least interesting thing about you is your body. In my latest blog, I share why body comments - yes, even the ‘nice’ ones - can do more harm than good, and what to say instead. I also share why body comments aren’t harmless, how they can impact mental health, and what you can say instead to create spaces that truly feel safe and supportive.

Letting Go of Control: How to Support Your Child Without Micromanaging

Parenting with love sometimes slips into micromanaging. This post explores why we try to control, how it impacts kids, and simple ways to step back without stepping away — so your child builds confidence while knowing you’re still their safe place.

The Hidden Toll: Young Adults, Influencers, and Mental Health

Influencing can look dreamy — brand deals, big followings, creative freedom — but the pressure to perform is real. This post unpacks perfectionism, comparison culture, and burnout in young adults, and offers simple steps for balance, boundaries, and support so life offline feels as full as your feed.

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 ~♡