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Narcissistic Entitlement: What You Can Do 

Narcissistic Entitlement: What You Can Do 

By Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT Narcissistic entitlement is the foremost trait people close to a narcissist complain about. Examples are someone who behaves like the normal rules don't apply to them—someone who expects special treatment, reacts with fury to small...

How to Break Out Of the Pursuer-Distancer Dance in Relationships

How to Break Out Of the Pursuer-Distancer Dance in Relationships

By Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW While all couples need autonomy and closeness, many couples struggle with the pursuer-distancer dance and feel chronically dissatisfied with their degree of intimacy. A problem exists when the pattern of pursuing and distancing becomes...

One Stepdad’s Story

One Stepdad’s Story

By Craig Gaspard , LICSW I’ll have to admit that when I became a stepfather, the day I married my wife Terry – in May of 1997 –I really had no idea what I was getting into. I was a stepfather (briefly) for three years in my first marriage. But, I was never a father...

5 Reasons Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Keep Secrets from a Partner

5 Reasons Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Keep Secrets from a Partner

By Terry Gaspard, LICSW When people keep secrets from their partner they often rationalize their behavior to themselves and others.  Usually, they lack confidence in their ability to confront unpleasant topics – such as money troubles, or issues related to past or...

6 Ways Single Parents Can Deal With Dating Challenges

6 Ways Single Parents Can Deal With Dating Challenges

By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC Dating as a single parent comes with its own set of challenges. Because you’re a parent you must never forget the child in your life, much as you may want to when out in the dating world. Parenting is a life-long responsibility. It doesn’t...

Teenagers Taking Sides: A Painful Consequence of Divorce

Teenagers Taking Sides: A Painful Consequence of Divorce

By Rosalind Sedacca, CCT I received the following question which poses many challenges related to divorce and parenting. While there is never a one-size-fits-all answer to relationship questions, I’m sharing my response with you as a perspective worth considering....

4 Ways to Build Trust With Your Partner

4 Ways to Build Trust With Your Partner

By Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW Being able to trust your partner is the bedrock of an amazing relationship and couples who are are able to achieve secure attachment and stay emotionally connected can risk being vulnerable. As a result, they enjoy sensuality and passion...

7 Ways Women Can Build Trust in Relationships

7 Ways Women Can Build Trust in Relationships

Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW Recently, there has been a gush of articles in the media about a common problem in romantic relationships: mistrust between partners that erodes positive feelings and love. While it’s not uncommon for people to worry that their partner has...

Surviving a Narcissistic Partner: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Surviving a Narcissistic Partner: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

By Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW Dear Terry, I’m definitely a “Fixer” and I married Tim knowing that he was controlling and self-centered. But I just never realized how hard it would be to live with someone who is so arrogant and insensitive to my feelings. I’ve been with...