By Jared Bonnici, G3 Therapist Conflict in relationships is normal and unavoidable. Disagreements happen in every close partnership. Contempt, however, is different. Contempt shows up as a pattern of communication where partners talk to each other in ways that are meant to belittle, insult, or make...
By Jared Bonnici, MA, G3 Therapist One of the most common communication problems in relationships is criticism. Criticism happens when frustration turns into an attack on your partner as a person, instead of focusing on a specific behavior that’s causing an issue. Rather than saying what’s...
By Jared Bonnici We’re nearing the end of February, and many people’s New Year’s resolutions are already starting to fade, or have completely fallen apart. Goals like “get fit” or “stop smoking” are some of the most common resolutions people make year after year. While the...
By Barbara K. Stump, MAHow many inches of snow have you experienced where you live this winter? Up north, in Traverse City, Michigan, we have accumulated 97 inches so far, and counting on more! Someone recently asked me how I was handling this harsh weather,...
Balancing screen time with in-person relationship building Social media isn’t all bad. For teens, it can mean creativity, belonging, humor, and a way to stay connected. But when scrolling starts replacing face-to-face connection, we often see something important slip: real-life social skills. As therapists (and parents, caregivers,...
By Barbara K. Stump, MAYou may not know it yet, or perhaps your social media feeds have been flooded with reels, but 2026 is the “Year of the Horse”, and I for one, am here for it. Who else doesn’t want to shed the “Year...
by G3 Therapist, Talar BagdasarianWinter has a way of making us feel a little more sluggish, isolated, and weighed down more than usual - both physically and emotionally. With shorter days and colder weather, it’s easy to fall into a slower rhythm that impacts our...
Being kind, thoughtful, and considerate are beautiful qualities. Many people who struggle with people-pleasing are deeply empathetic, reliable, and attuned to others’ needs. But there’s a tipping point. When being nice quietly starts to cost you your energy, your boundaries, and your sense of self. If you...
When most people think of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), they picture dice, fantasy worlds, and epic adventures. What they may not realize is that these games can also be powerful tools for therapeutic growth. In recent years, clinicians have increasingly integrated TTRPGs, such as Dungeons...
By Barbara K. Stump, MA Have you heard the term Microjoys before? Microjoys are like looking for a teeny silver lining, even when times are difficult. Training yourself to find the good, and feel gratitude for something that could be viewed as small, or an everyday...
