Have you ever had one awkward interaction completely erase an otherwise good day?

Maybe your boss says, "Can we chat tomorrow?" and suddenly you're mentally updating your résumé. Or you send a text, don't get a response for two hours, and somehow your brain has decided the friendship is over.

If you've ever wondered why your brain seems to cling to the bad stuff while brushing right past the good, let me introduce you to one of my favorite concepts to teach clients: negativity bias.

Knowing what to say when someone shares their feelings with you, especially when you do not feel the same way, can be harder than it sounds. In this Therapy Moment, Robin, LMFT teaches the VCR Method: Validation, Comment, Reassurance. It is a simple, repeatable script that shows the other person you are listening, while still giving you space to share your own perspective without dismissing theirs.

Let’s start with a little normalization: most couples who sit on my couch (or screen) are not there because they don’t love each other. They’re there because something feels off. The conversations feel shallower. The laughter comes less easily. The sense of being truly known by your partner feels… fuzzy.

That fuzzy feeling often comes down to emotional intimacy…

After betrayal, silence can feel like safety — but it only feeds doubt. When you offer up information before your partner has to ask, you show accountability, awareness and transparency.

This small act can slow down the spiral of suspicion and start rebuilding trust. Healing takes consistency, honesty, and compassion — not perfection.

In this month's Therapy Moment, Robyn Ashbaugh, LMFT explains the importance of sharing as much helpful information with your partner regarding the betrayal at once rather than holding back and waiting for them to find out over time.

Whether you’re exploring your own gender identity or your partner is, navigating that journey together can feel overwhelming — like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube... blindfolded. But with understanding, communication, and a healthy dose of compassion, it is possible to move forward with love and clarity.

Do you ever find yourself overreacting in the moment with your partner?

Maybe your partner has done something that really grinds your gears and your immediate reaction is to respond in pure anger.

The truth is, we can’t control how others act — only how we respond.

Do you struggle with setting healthy boundaries?

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Robyn Ashbaugh, LMFT shares with us a tip on how to create effective boundaries with those around you to help protect your peace!

When you lay your head down at night do you ever find yourself wondering what your purpose or meaning is in life?

Maybe your life path didn’t go as planned or you find yourself no longer passionate about the same things you once did when you were younger.

Finding purpose and meaning in life is not just about grand revelations or cosmic alignments. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, diving into what makes you tick and having a little fun along the way. 

Do you ever have a bad day and struggle with how to not let your mood effect everyone you come into contact with?

Maybe you feel scared, anxious, depressed or even angry over something that happened and struggle with how to overcome those negative emotions.

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Robyn Ashbaugh, LMFT provides a tool on how to implement self care into your daily routine which can help especially when you are experiencing a difficult day!