Azevedo Family Psychology

Marriages succeed because of commitment to the underlying relationship. This is a place of both joy and work. A relationship with anyone, a friend, a co-worker, even a neighbor, is work. The relationship of a marriage is intense work. In a marriage you have more responsibility, more decisions, more everything than in any other relationship and nowhere to hide. All the outcomes in that marriage belong to the two people who brought it into existence.

Wouldn’t it be nice to start the marriage with a clearer understanding of each other’s expectations? Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to adapt to them as they change? Wouldn’t it be nice to have an agreement about how to resolve differences – and the required commitment to do so – rather than suffer in silence or fear the worst?

https://www.azevedofamilypsychology.com/marital-therapy

Daily life can be stressful. How we cope often comes down to our mental health toolkit; collecting a mix of practices, activities, and coping strategies that fit your lifestyle can help you handle the ups and downs of daily life.

Whether it’s mindfulness exercises, physical activity, or creative pursuits, each element boosts your mood and resilience. Let’s dive into the different components you might include in your toolkit and explore how they work to keep your mental health in check.

https://www.azevedofamilypsychology.com/mental-health/building-your-mental-health-toolkit

Building Your Mental Health Toolkit - Azevedo Family Psychology Let’s dive into what you might include in your mental health toolkit and explore how they work to keep your mental health in check.

Going from dating to getting engaged can be an exciting, transformative experience for couples. This time often comes with a unique set of challenges. The transition from being in a casual relationship to committing to spending the rest of your lives together is a significant step. Couples typically face emotional and logistical hurdles during this phase. Navigating them successfully often comes down to your communication skills and commitment to your future together. If you’re hoping to build a strong foundation for a successful engagement and marriage, keep these tips in mind.

Navigating the Transition from Dating to Engagement: Common Challenges - Azevedo Family Psychology Going from dating to getting engaged can be an exciting, transformative experience for couples. This time often comes with a unique set of challenges. The transition […]

Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many people struggle with getting enough quality rest. Insomnia and other sleep disturbances can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are therapeutic techniques that can help improve sleep quality and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Therapeutic Techniques for Improving Sleep Quality - Azevedo Family Psychology Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many people struggle with getting enough quality rest. Insomnia and other sleep disturbances can have a significant […]

Modern romantic relationships can be incredibly rewarding – and incredibly challenging. While every couple experience ups and downs, some conflicts warrant guidance from a couple’s therapist. Many may view couple’s therapy as a sign something is wrong, but sessions with a couple’s counselor can actually strengthen romantic connection and make you feel closer to your partner.

Couples Counseling: Strengthening Bonds and Enhancing Intimacy - Azevedo Family Psychology Modern romantic relationships can be incredibly rewarding – and incredibly challenging. While every couple experience ups and downs, some conflicts warrant guidance from a couple’s therapist. […]

They say people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you’re first getting to know a new friend, it’s hard to know exactly which category they’ll fall into. Unfortunately, not all friendships are positive or beneficial to our mental health. Just as we prioritize our physical well-being, it’s essential to recognize when a friendship has become toxic and take the necessary steps to let go.

Letting Go of Toxic Friendships - Azevedo Family Psychology They say people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you’re first getting to know a new friend, it’s hard […]

Everyone runs into situations where they are not sure how to get past whatever the barrier may be. Dr. Azevedo is here to help you find your path to the life you want to live. Dr. Azevedo uses a solution focused, evidence based approach to help adults, couples, and families learn and use the skills that will help you create a life worth celebrating.

Learn More: https://www.azevedofamilypsychology.com/

Parenting in the 2020s comes with a unique set of challenges. Kids today grow up surrounded by technology. While digital devices offer a number of benefits, they also present challenges for parents trying to navigate their children’s screen time. It’s crucial for parents to promote healthy habits and ensure that technology usage doesn’t hinder their child’s development and well-being. Let’s explore strategies for parenting in the digital age and fostering a healthy relationship between children and technology.

Parenting in the Digital Age: Promoting Healthy Habits for Children Let’s explore strategies for parenting in the digital age and fostering a healthy relationship between children and technology.

If there’s one thing most people are striving towards, it’s happiness. Many fail to realize, though, that happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion; it’s a science-backed concept that can be cultivated through intentional practices. While happiness looks different to each person, there are common practices that have been shown to contribute to a fulfilling life.

The Science of Happiness: Practices for a Fulfilling Life - Azevedo Family Psychology If there’s one thing most people are striving towards, it’s happiness. Many fail to realize, though, that happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion; it’s a […]

If you or your spouse are considering separation or divorce but are not completely sure that it is the best path, you are in a tough spot. Discernment Counseling is designed for you. It’s a chance to slow down, take a breath, and look clearly at how you arrived at this point and what your options are for the future.

Discernment Counseling is a new way of helping couples where one person is “leaning out” of the relationship—and not sure that regular marriage counseling would help–and the other is “leaning in”—that is, interested in rebuilding the marriage.

https://www.azevedofamilypsychology.com/discernment

Modern romantic relationships can be incredibly rewarding – and incredibly challenging. While every couple experience ups and downs, some conflicts warrant guidance from a couple’s therapist. Many may view couple’s therapy as a sign something is wrong, but sessions with a couple’s counselor can actually strengthen romantic connection and make you feel closer to your partner.

Couples Counseling: Strengthening Bonds and Enhancing Intimacy - Azevedo Family Psychology Modern romantic relationships can be incredibly rewarding – and incredibly challenging. While every couple experience ups and downs, some conflicts warrant guidance from a couple’s therapist. […]

Deciding to start therapy is an important first step. It’s not always easy to ask for help, and it takes serious strength to do so. Whether this is your first foray into therapy or you’re returning after some time away, understanding how it works and what to expect can help you relax and get the most out of your sessions.

How Therapy Works (And What to Expect) - Azevedo Family Psychology Deciding to start therapy is an important first step. It’s not always easy to ask for help, and it takes serious strength to do so. Whether […]

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to lose touch with the present moment. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient meditation traditions, has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being in our modern world. By incorporating mindfulness techniques into daily life, we can cultivate a sense of peace, improve focus, and reduce stress.

Mindfulness Techniques for Everyday Life - Azevedo Family Psychology The first step towards a mindful day is beginning with intention. Here are Mindfulness Techniques for Everyday Life!

Have you ever wondered how to measure the health of your marriage or committed relationship? In this , we will explore some ways to evaluate the health of your relationship. The attitude we bring to doing the work of a relationship is often key to its health. There are five attitudes that can ease troubles in a relationship and move you toward solutions.

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The Relationship Road Trip Episode 6 - Azevedo Family Psychology This week is another roadside chat with your host, Dr. Don Azevedo. Have you ever wondered how to measure the health of your marriage or committed […]

Planning a wedding is fun and rewarding, but for many couples, it can also be all-consuming. In your haste to get ready for the big day, you can often lose sight of less exciting stuff…namely, the foundations of your relationship. How do you know you’re ready?

Because marriage is as much of a practical commitment as a romantic one, it pays to go in prepared. Premarital counseling is a way of ensuring you and your spouse are at your best for this lifelong journey.

Premarital Counseling - Azevedo Family Psychology [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Simply stated, marriage is a contract between two people to create a life together with a mutual set of agreements.

is part of any relationship. Avoiding it makes it worse. Confronting it unskillfully also makes it worse. Whether you are at home or at work, developing skills to notice when a conversation is becoming a conflict, skills in de-escalating intense emotions, and skills in identifying the needs each person in the situation may have, are the keys to making conflict healthier and more useful.

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The Relationship Road Trip Episode 10 - Azevedo Family Psychology Conflict is part of any relationship. Avoiding it makes it worse. Confronting it unskillfully also makes it worse. Whether you are at home or at work, […]

We often set ambitious resolutions, but sadly, many of these goals fizzle out by February. The key to successful New Year’s resolutions is setting realistic and attainable goals. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim high, but rather, your goals should align with your lifestyle, resources, and personal capacity.

https://www.azevedofamilypsychology.com/mental-health/tips-for-setting-realistic-new-years-resolutions

Tips for Setting Realistic New Year's Resolutions - Azevedo Family Psychology The key to successful New Year's resolutions is setting realistic and attainable goals. This doesn't mean you shouldn't aim high, but rather, your goals should align with your lifestyle, resources, and personal capacity.

If you or your spouse are considering separation or divorce but are not completely sure that it is the best path, you are in a tough spot. Discernment Counseling is designed for you. It’s a chance to slow down, take a breath, and look clearly at how you arrived at this point and what your options are for the future.

Learn More: https://www.azevedofamilypsychology.com/discernment

For many people, the winter holidays usher forth the most wonderful time of the year. For others, the turning of the season can mean the return of the winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as seasonal depression, is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter.

As many as 10 million Americans are affected by SAD each year, with many more experiencing milder forms. Thankfully, there are several effective coping strategies that can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life during these challenging months.

Read More: https://www.azevedofamilypsychology.com/depression/coping-strategies-for-seasonal-affective-disorder

Coping Strategies for Seasonal Affective Disorder - Azevedo Family Psychology Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as seasonal depression, is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter.

Deciding to start therapy is an important first step. It’s not always easy to ask for help, and it takes serious strength to do so. Whether this is your first foray into therapy or you’re returning after some time away, understanding how it works and what to expect can help you relax and get the most out of your sessions.

Learn More:

How Therapy Works (And What to Expect) - Azevedo Family Psychology Deciding to start therapy is an important first step. It’s not always easy to ask for help, and it takes serious strength to do so. Whether […]

Supporting someone in your life who is suffering from depression can be incredibly challenging. When your partner, parent, friend, or child is struggling, it’s easy to feel helpless. Knowing exactly what to say or do can be elusive. With a little effort, though, you can learn how to recognize warning signs and provide the kind of support the depressed person in your life really needs.

How to Help Someone with Depression - Azevedo Family Psychology Supporting someone in your life who is suffering from depression can be incredibly challenging. When your partner, parent, friend, or child is struggling, it’s easy to […]

Whatever the reasons, Americans are lonelier than ever. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to build authentic and connect with people you care about. Here’s how:

How to Build Authentic Friendships - Azevedo Family Psychology In 1990, researchers asked Americans how many friends they have. Just three percent shared that they had no friends at all. Cut to 2021, where researchers […]

Let's discuss Emotional Labor. In particular, the unequal distribution of Emotional Labor both at home and at work. Dr. Regina Lark joins the podcast to help us understand what it is, how it shows up, some of the history, and what to do to change the dialogue.

Listen:

The Relationship Road Trip Episode 13 - Azevedo Family Psychology This week we continue the discussion on parenting and conflict. Join the show, call in and ask questions, and laugh a little at this challenging and extraordinary stage of development for both parent and child.

As the years go by, the roles we play in our family dynamic evolve. While once our parents cared for us, the time comes when the tables turn, and we find ourselves becoming caregivers for our aging parents. This transition can bring about a number of challenges and emotions, as we strive to provide the best possible care while juggling our own responsibilities. Let’s explore some of the common challenges of elder care and offer tips on coping with and supporting our aging parents during this critical phase of life.

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Supporting Aging Parents: Coping with the Challenges of Elder Care Let’s explore some of the common challenges of elder care and offer tips on coping with and supporting our aging parents during this critical phase of life.

In a world where self-doubt and negative self-perception often prevail, it can be a real challenge to develop a healthy sense of self. Having a positive, balanced view of yourself – while recognizing your strengths and weaknesses – is essential for maintaining your self-acceptance and respect. If you’re hoping to improve your self-esteem, therapy can help. Use these strategies in conjunction with regular sessions and you’re sure to see results:

Cultivating Healthy Self-Esteem - Azevedo Family Psychology In a world where self-doubt and negative self-perception often prevail, it can be a real challenge to develop a healthy sense of self. Having a positive, […]

In a world where self-doubt and negative self-perception often prevail, it can be a real challenge to develop a healthy sense of self. Having a positive, balanced view of yourself – while recognizing your strengths and weaknesses – is essential for maintaining your self-acceptance and respect. If you’re hoping to improve your self-esteem, therapy can help. Use these strategies in conjunction with regular sessions and you’re sure to see results.

Cultivating Healthy Self-Esteem - Azevedo Family Psychology In a world where self-doubt and negative self-perception often prevail, it can be a real challenge to develop a healthy sense of self. Having a positive, […]

This week we are discussing Emotional Labor with Dr. Regina Lark. In particular, the unequal distribution of Emotional Labor both at home and at work. Dr. Lark will help us understand what it is, how it shows up, some of the history, and what to do to change the dialogue.

The Relationship Road Trip Episode 13 - Azevedo Family Psychology This week we continue the discussion on parenting and conflict. Join the show, call in and ask questions, and laugh a little at this challenging and extraordinary stage of development for both parent and child.

This week we continue the discussion on parenting and conflict. The focus is on teenagers, hence the title Driver Supervisor. In NC, where I live, there is a graduated license for first time drivers. At first, they can only drive with a supervisor in the car. The second stage allows for unsupervised driving but with limited hours (5 AM to 9 PM with some exceptions for work). At the third level, they can drive unsupervised at any time. I could not resist the metaphor for working with teenagers. Join the show, call in and ask questions, and laugh a little at this challenging and extraordinary stage of development for both parent and child.

Listen:

The Relationship Road Trip Episode 12 - Azevedo Family Psychology This week we continue the discussion on parenting and conflict. Join the show, call in and ask questions, and laugh a little at this challenging and extraordinary stage of development for both parent and child.

Conflict is part of any relationship. Avoiding it makes it worse. Confronting it unskillfully also makes it worse. Whether you are at home or at work, developing skills to notice when a conversation is becoming a conflict, skills in de-escalating intense emotions, and skills in identifying the needs each person in the situation may have, are the keys to making conflict healthier and more useful.

LISTEN:

Car Crash Safety Conflict is part of any relationship. Avoiding it makes it worse. Confronting it unskillfully also makes it worse.