Relationships and dating

Relationship problems, breakups, divorce, infidelity, attachment styles, codependency and toxic or abusive dynamics.

• Anxious attachmentAnxious attachment is a relationship pattern in which a person craves closeness but fears abandonment, often worrying that a partner will lose interest or leave. People with an anxious attachment style may seek frequent reassurance and feel intense distress at signs of distance. It isn't a diagnosis, and with awareness and support, people can develop more secure ways of relating.
• Attachment stylesAttachment styles are patterns in how people seek closeness, handle emotional needs and respond to separation in close relationships. Rooted in attachment theory, they are usually described as secure, anxious, avoidant and disorganized (also called fearful avoidant). Attachment styles are not fixed labels, and people can develop more secure ways of relating over time.
• CodependencyCodependency is a pattern in which a person consistently puts someone else's needs, feelings or problems ahead of their own, often at great personal cost, and builds their sense of worth around being needed. It is not a formal diagnosis, but the term is widely used to describe unhealthy relationship dynamics. With awareness and support, codependency recovery is very possible.
• Divorce and separationDivorce is the legal end of a marriage, and separation is when partners stop living as a couple, whether or not they divorce. Both are among the most stressful life events a person can go through, affecting emotions, finances, routines, identity and children. Coping with divorce takes time, and support can make the process easier.
• GaslightingGaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation in which someone repeatedly makes another person doubt their own memories, perceptions or sanity. Over time, it can erode confidence and leave people feeling confused and dependent. Gaslighting can happen in romantic relationships, families, workplaces and friendships, and it is often part of a wider pattern of emotional abuse.
• Getting over a breakupGetting over a breakup usually means allowing yourself to grieve the relationship, limiting what keeps the wound open, and gradually rebuilding a life that feels like your own. Heartbreak can be intensely painful, both emotionally and physically, and it takes time. Most people recover with support, but if sadness becomes overwhelming or lasts a long time, talking to a therapist can help.
• Infidelity and cheatingInfidelity, often called cheating, is a breach of the agreed boundaries of a committed relationship, whether through a sexual affair, an emotional affair or secret online connections. Discovering infidelity can be deeply painful and destabilizing. With support, people can heal, and some couples rebuild their relationship while others separate in healthier ways.
• Narcissistic abuseNarcissistic abuse is a popular term for a pattern of emotional manipulation and control in a relationship, often with someone who shows strong narcissistic traits. It typically includes cycles of idealization and devaluation, manipulation and lack of empathy. It can deeply affect self-esteem and mental health, but recovery is possible with support.
• Relationship problemsRelationship problems are difficulties between partners, such as frequent conflict, poor communication, emotional distance or broken trust, that cause ongoing distress. Every relationship faces challenges, and many issues can be improved with effort and the right tools. Couples therapy, also called couples counseling or marriage counseling, helps partners understand each other and change unhelpful patterns.
• Toxic relationshipsA toxic relationship is one in which the overall pattern leaves you feeling consistently drained, anxious, belittled or unsafe, rather than supported and respected. Toxic dynamics can occur between partners, friends or family members, and they range from unhealthy habits that can change to emotional abuse that needs a safety plan.