Fixing Families

Tools for running your life and relationships

Robert Taibbi L.C.S.W.

Feeling Micromanaged? 4 Ways to See It Differently

Micromanagement seems like it's about control but it's usually about anxiety. Here's how to think about it differently and begin to change the underlying problems.

One Big Benefit of Quarantine: Learning What You Need

Quarantining has had its downsides. But for many, it has been an opportunity to step back and realize what who they are and what they need. Here's how to put these insights into action.

Are There Themes to Your Dreams?

While some dreams are classic stress indicators, some dream themes say a lot about the state of "you."

Don't Leave a Relationship With Too Simple an Explanation

When relationships end, it's easy to leave with too simple a story. Take the time to drill down and leave with a more complex story so you can learn its lessons.

Would You Marry You?

The question Would you marry you? is a good assessment of your own view of yourself, but how realistic is it? Several possible answers and how to find a realistic middle.

4 Steps to Solving Your Core Relationship Problem

While couples argue about a range of topics, what often drives them are underlying core needs and a dysfunctional emotional loop.

What’s Your Philosophy of Life? 5 Questions to Craft Yours

A philosophy of life is a lens through which we view our place in the world. Some of us accept the one handed to us by others. Here are five questions to help you craft your own.

How to Have Deeper, More Intimate Conversations

It's easy for us to feel disconnected and lonely these days. One antidote is having deeper, more vulnerable conversations. Here are tips on how to deepen your conversations and connections.

Sometimes Not Rocking the Boat Is the Worst Thing to Do

When you are struggling in a relationship, it is instinctive to try and not rock the boat. But often what you need most is to fight for what you need. Here are tips on how to do it.

Struggling With a Problem? Start By Changing Your Story

Many events in life are relatively neutral, but what colors them and creates problems is the story we tell about them. Common stories, core beliefs, and steps to change them.

How Unspoken Expectations Ruin Relationships

Unspoken expectations breed disappointment and resentment because they are linked to a future we can't control.

Bored? 6 Tips for Jumpstarting Yourself

We all get bored from time to time. Here's how to push back against it.

A person looking up at the sky.

Appreciating How Special and Unique Our Lives Are

In times of struggle, it's easy to lose perspective. If we go way back and look at who we are in the huge scope of time, we and our lives are truly unique.

Survivor's Guilt and COVID-19

When so many have it much worse than us, it's easy to feel a survivor's guilt. How to manage and put it into action.

Procrastinating? It's Not About Willpower but Organization

Procrastination is common, especially for those struggling with ADHD or anxiety. Here's an eight-step plan for organizing your week and getting stuff done.

Breaking Old Patterns? Expect Psychological Withdrawal

We usually associate withdrawal with addictions, but any sudden breaks in longstanding patterns can trigger similar reactions.

Handling Confinement When Your Relationship Is Struggling

There is already plenty of stress that comes with confinement, but it's worse when your relationship is struggling. Here's how to proactively make the best of this challenge.

Feeling Stuck in a Stale Relationship? How to Revitalize It

It's easy for relationships to become boring and stale over time, but they don't have to stay that way.

How to Calm Your Panicky Mind in Panicky Times

With all the turmoil of late, it's easy to become panicky at times. Here's how to rein in your emotions and take charge.

5 Causes of Emotional Explosions

Sudden explosive outbursts can be dangerous and disorienting. These are the most common causes and how to stop them.

The Ups and Downs of Being an Only Child

All children are challenged to find their place and purpose within their families, but only children face some unique challenges.

Tortoise and Hare Couples: Can They Be Compatible?

Tortoise and hare couples are a common dynamic in which one is always initiating, the other shutting down.

Upgrading Your Relationship with Your Parents

It's common to find that your parents still seem to treat you like they did when you were a teen. Upgrade your relationship to what you need now.

Self-Critical? How to Push Back

Too many of us have a critical voice running constantly in our heads, berating us over the smallest mistakes. Here are tools and tips for pushing back and putting these voices to rest.

Heal Feelings with Feelings, Not Facts

When someone is upset, your instincts may be to try to calm them down by reasoning with them. This is not likely to work. Here's what to do instead.

6 Reasons Why Affairs Eventually Fall Apart

Most affairs eventually fall apart. The common causes and lessons to be learned are explored here.

How to Find the Right Therapist for You

With so many choices, finding the right therapist can be overwhelming. Here's how to narrow it down.

Driven By Too Many Shoulds? How to Reclaim Your Life

Too many of us have shoulditis: Rules in our heads constantly running, creating guilt, and often ruining our lives.

Social Anxiety? 10 Tips to Help You Speak Up

Social anxiety can be debilitating, affecting your work and social life. Here are 10 tips for navigating formal and informal social situations.

Emotional Affairs: Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention

Emotional affairs can be just as damaging to relationships as sexual affairs. Understand the anatomy of emotional affairs—stages, triggers, and addressing the underlying problems.