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Katya Halligan Katya Halligan

The Power of Schema Therapy and ACT in Couples Therapy: A Compassionate Path Through Conflict, Intimacy, and Parenthood

If you're navigating the stress of everyday life with your partner, facing communication breakdowns, or feeling disconnected during major life transitions, you're not alone. Many couples find themselves stuck in cycles of conflict or growing distance, especially during high-stress phases like considering parenthood, dealing with fertility issues, becoming first-time parents, or adding another child to the family. This is where couples therapy, particularly an integrative approach combining Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can be a transformative experience. As a couples therapist in Seattle, I’ve seen how the intersection of these two powerful modalities creates a deeply compassionate, effective way to help partners reconnect, resolve conflict, and rekindle intimacy—even during life’s most difficult chapters.

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Katya Halligan Katya Halligan

Keeping the Spark Alive: Nurturing Your Relationship Amidst a Hectic Summer with Kids

Summer is a season that seems to promise so much joy—longer days, warmer nights, family vacations, and the chance to break free from routine. For many mid-career professionals with young children, it’s also the time when school’s out and schedules become anything but relaxed. Suddenly, your calendar is full of summer camps, road trips, pool days, family reunions, and maybe even a few work deadlines that refuse to take a break.

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Katya Halligan Katya Halligan

Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction: A Couple’s Guide to Reviving Passion

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that affects millions of men and their partners. While it’s often perceived as a physical problem, ED is just as much about emotional and psychological health. For many couples, the struggle with ED can diminish passion and intimacy in the bedroom, leading to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and even isolation. However, with the right mindset and strategies, couples can not only overcome ED but also rediscover enjoyment and pleasure in their sex life.

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Katya Halligan Katya Halligan

Couples Therapy vs. Relationship Coaching

When couples face challenges in their relationship, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Two popular options are couples therapy (also known as marriage counseling or couples counseling) and relationship coaching. While both approaches aim to support and improve relationships, they have significant differences in focus, methodology, and overall approach. Understanding these distinctions can help couples choose the right type of support for their specific needs.

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Katya Halligan Katya Halligan

When is the Right Time to Start Couples Therapy?

In the whirlwind of modern life, it's easy for the foundation of a relationship to crack under the weight of careers, children, and daily stressors. Often, couples find themselves at a crossroads, wondering when is the right time to seek help. The truth is, waiting until the challenges become insurmountable might be too late. Couples therapy offers a lifeline, but recognizing the signs and embracing it before tensions escalate is crucial for its effectiveness.

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Katya Halligan Katya Halligan

5 Practical Solutions for Staying Connected and Keeping the Flame Alive in Your Relationship during the Holidays

The holiday season, with its festive cheer and family gatherings, is supposed to be a time of joy and togetherness. However, for many busy couples, it often becomes a juggling act of work commitments, social events, and family obligations. In the midst of the holiday hustle, couples can find themselves feeling disconnected and struggling to maintain the emotional intimacy that is the heartbeat of any healthy relationship. In this blog post, we'll explore common challenges faced by couples during the holidays and share easy, practical solutions to maintain intimacy and connection.

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