Family roles don’t disappear in adulthood just because we grow up. They often go dormant, waiting for proximity, stress, or old dynamics to quietly reactivate them (especially during family gatherings, holidays, or big life transitions). This is one reason adult family relationships can feel so emotionally intense, even when you’ve done years of personal growth.

Many teens and young adults find themselves asking, “Why do I keep feeling this way in my relationships?” Repeated feelings of guilt, frustration, or being “too much” often lead to people-pleasing, weak boundaries, or emotional withdrawal. But relationship conflict isn’t a sign that something is wrong — it’s information. When we learn to see conflict as a signal of unmet needs or unclear boundaries, we can build healthier communication, stronger self-worth, and deeper connection.

Over time, patterns may start to emerge—such as consistently taking on the role of the peacemaker, the planner, or the emotional supporter. Simply noticing when things begin to feel overwhelming can afford you the space needed to step back and regain perspective.

As we make small changes, we give our nervous system the chance to readjust and make room for more change. This way, taking steps 1 and 2 gets you that much closer to 10.

I remember sitting on the living room floor of my studio apartment, surrounded by stacks of highlighted articles and annotated papers. My chest felt tight, like a slow suffocation. It was disorienting, like watching the color drain from my own life. I curled into a ball and waited for my body to calm down.

Many trauma responses develop early and remain active for so long that they begin to feel like fixed traits, even though they are actually adaptive survival strategies. While trauma can show up in many ways, several responses are especially likely to be misunderstood as personality traits.

The holiday season can bring joy, connection, and celebration. The holidays also bring heightened stress, emotional fatigue, and complicated family dynamics. Here are some practical ways to manage holiday family stress.

My hope is that clients leave our work together feeling more grounded in who they are at their core, calmer, and more confident in making decisions and engaging in relationships in ways that feel natural to them.

Are anxious feelings affecting your quality of life? Try these strategies today.

Dominique shared about her work with teens, and how helping kids with ADHD and anxiety feels close to home.

So much of ADHD is misunderstood. It’s not just about attention. It’s about identity.

Discover how EMDR therapy helps reprocess trauma, reduce anxiety, and promote healing. Learn what research says and how it supports lasting change.

EMDR is a therapy that helps people recover from distressing or traumatic experiences. Instead of talking endlessly about what happened, EMDR helps your brain process the memory in a new way so it no longer feels as overwhelming, confusing, or painful.

Navigating insurance for therapy can feel overwhelming. At Pulianda & Brock Psychology Associates, we believe that understanding your insurance options empowers you to make informed decisions about your care.

Living with social anxiety can make the world feel small. But you don’t have to stay hidden or alone. Therapy can help you reclaim your voice, expand your social world, and form meaningful connections without the constant burden of self-doubt.

Anxiety is common, but it can feel overwhelming and isolating. Therapy focused on distress tolerance and managing unproductive thoughts can help.

It’s not that other people have a skill that you don’t possess. It takes time to get clear on what your boundaries are and how to communicate them effectively. Therapy is a great place to learn to identify and communicate your needs.

Therapy is an investment in your growth. Here are 3 strategies for optimizing your time.

People-pleasing can be problematic because it can lead to issues like struggling to voice your opinions, make big decisions, or know who you are.