Therapy for Adult friends or Peers in Pasadena and online

You once found yourselves sharing intimate details of your lives or made time for regular outings, but now find yourselves growing distant. Or maybe you notice that arguments escalate quickly, or repeatedly without resolution. Perhaps the fear of further harming the relationship leads you to avoid or pull away from your friend…

Science tells us that our friendships and bonds of platonic love can be just as profound and life-altering as those of romantic love. Friendships have been linked to numerous psychological and physical health benefits. Having close friendships can boost self-esteem, alleviate stress and anxiety, and even contribute to a longer lifespan. Conversely, when these relationships feel out of balance or strained, we can experience a whirlwind of complex emotions including sadness, resentment, and even loneliness. This emotional turmoil can potentially spill over into other areas of life, affecting our productivity, concentration, and overall happiness.

Friendships have an increasingly important significance in our modern age, especially as people move away from their hometowns for various kinds of reasons/opportunities, and the definition of “family” has evolved and become varied. Friends can act as our surrogate family, providing a sense of familiarity and acceptance akin to that of traditional family units. Friends often become a vital source of emotional support and belonging, with whom we can share vulnerabilities, connect around common interests, feel understood, celebrate triumphs, and gain new perspectives. In times of need or crisis, friends can become a lifeline, ensuring that none of us have to face life’s challenges alone. So why wouldn’t we focus on nurturing these important relationships, too? 

Whether you are friends navigating periods of change and growth, artistic collaborators struggling with issues of conflict/resolution, or roommates looking to develop a more harmonious balance; I believe it is possible to revive and strengthen your relationship. Through learning how to communicate more openly and honestly, how to compromise in a healthier way, and learning to understand each other’s perspectives, I can help support your growth toward a more mutually satisfying relationship. 

Signs which suggest friend/peer therapy could be right for you:  

• Your conversations are becoming less frequent or more superficial

• You spend less quality time together

• You have persistent conflicts or inability to resolve disagreements in a healthy manner

• You find yourself avoiding confrontation or experiencing a breakdown in communication 

• You notice increased feelings of resentment

• Your interests or priorities clash with the dynamics of the friendship