How to get over an affair in 7 [not at all] easy steps

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By, Angelica Shiels Psy.D. Infidelity is something that affects countless couples. The Kinsey Institute sites research that shows that 20-25% of men and 10-15% of women engage in extramarital sex at least once during their marriage. (Laumann, 1994; Wiederman, 1997).  So, of course, … Continue reading

The one habit that could improve your life. (validation.)

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By Angelica Shiels Psy.D. Okay, so anyone who has read my blog or done therapy with me already knows that my favorite “therapy tool,” isn’t really a tool at all; It’s just a simple way of thinking: Validation. What is … Continue reading

8 things you should never say to your spouse.

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By Angelica Shiels Psy.D. (also published on Lifehack.) Words are powerful, and they can be used to build an amazing relationship or to destroy a relationship. Here are 10 things to be careful to never say to your spouse: 1. “You’re … Continue reading

Radical Acceptance (explained in one simple crappy drawing.)

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By Angelica Shiels Psy.D. Oh, what’s that?  You’ve always wondered, “What exactly is radical acceptance, and does anyone have any amateur drawings depicting its every-day application?” ??  Today is your lucky day: And, incidentally, I just also had to radically accept that … Continue reading

DBT and “Mindfulness” (so you don’t chuck any remotes into any TV screens.)

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“Dialectical Behavioral Therapy” (DBT) is a type of therapy developed by Marsha Linehan which helps people manage and tolerate distressing situations and feelings.  DBT is similar to “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” (CBT) in that it challenges ways of thinking that end up making you feel … Continue reading

How to talk about all the icky things (So that you might feel a little less icky.)

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By Angelica Shiels Psy.D. I clean the house once a week, so if you come over near the end of the week, you might notice sticky floors, a smudged refrigerator, and blue kiddy toothpaste all over the upstairs bathroom sink. … Continue reading

Help! Hubby wants date nights all the time and I wanna spend time with the baby!

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By Angelica Shiels Psy.D. Ummm maybe she doesn’t want to leave the baby because this is the babysitter they hired. Dr. Psych Mom recently had a contest to see who had the best answer to one of her reader’s questions: I am … Continue reading

Sex life isn’t all it could be? Check this out.

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This is what I make while my kids are coloring. There is only so much satisfaction one gets from drawing dinosaurs (And I’m trying to make it a point to be on my computer less, so this counts as engaging … Continue reading

Family Bootcamp. (A training program for spouses and parents.)

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By Angelica Shiels Psy.D. “Family” is not for the faint of heart.  As a family therapist and someone who has a family myself, I actually think that marriage licenses and pregnancy tests should offer disclaimers. Similar to the warnings on alcohol and tobacco products, I think … Continue reading