Blog #couplestherapy
The Cure for Blended Family Burnout
This article explores the emotional complexity of blended families, especially when co-parenting with exes, navigating trauma, raising neurodivergent children (like those with autism or ADHD), and managing financial stress. It highlights the unique struggles of both masculine and feminine roles, the exhaustion parents face, and the chaotic behaviors that test every limit. Blended family expert Raven Avery outlines three key steps to survive and thrive: strengthening the parenting team, raising your threshold of tolerance, and releasing the fantasy of what you thought family should look like.
How To Build An Intimacy Plan for Stressful Times. Why Every Couple Needs One.
This article introduces the concept of an Intimacy Plan—a practical, four-part strategy every couple should have in place to stay emotionally connected during stressful life transitions like moving, long work hours, or family visits. Drawing from somatic and relationship therapy practices, it guides couples to establish a 60-second daily ritual, communicate stress responses in advance, clarify expectations around sex and affection, and set a post-chaos reconnection date. Grounded in nervous system awareness and emotional intelligence, this plan helps couples stay grounded, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen authentic love—even in the middle of life’s storms.