Relational Therapists in Fresno County, CA

Photo of Patricia (Patty) Behrens, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Patricia (Patty) Behrens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, CT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93720
Brainspotting is a body-brain relational method that can gently healing deep set emotional traumas from childhood to recent.
My passion is to help you get immediate relief, manage symptoms and truly heal from the underlying causes of your distress. I believe you can obtain emotional healing from life's struggles whether from childhood and adult traumas or present circumstances. My approach is to empower you to work through your struggles, resolve traumas and discover what works for you. I have helped individuals heal from anxiety, trauma, abuse, grief, depression, transitions, and family/relational issues. I feel strongly about having an individualized plan that fits you and using cutting-edge methods that truly can change your brain.
Brainspotting is a body-brain relational method that can gently healing deep set emotional traumas from childhood to recent.
My passion is to help you get immediate relief, manage symptoms and truly heal from the underlying causes of your distress. I believe you can obtain emotional healing from life's struggles whether from childhood and adult traumas or present circumstances. My approach is to empower you to work through your struggles, resolve traumas and discover what works for you. I have helped individuals heal from anxiety, trauma, abuse, grief, depression, transitions, and family/relational issues. I feel strongly about having an individualized plan that fits you and using cutting-edge methods that truly can change your brain.
(559) 549-9624 View (559) 549-9624
Photo of Rachelle (Shelly) Clement-Gilpin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Rachelle (Shelly) Clement-Gilpin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93711
Whether the problem is depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, or relational conflict, often the root of this is disconnection from love, and our identity.
As a LMFT and TBRI Pracitioner, I have learned that many children, families, and individuals suffer from trauma. Often client's diagnosis of PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Bi-Polar, and ADHD are related to early childhood and adult trauma, as well as a lack of early secure attachment to their primary caregiver. Recent studies in Neuroscience confirm that Neuropathways in the brain develop based on these traumas.
Whether the problem is depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, or relational conflict, often the root of this is disconnection from love, and our identity.
As a LMFT and TBRI Pracitioner, I have learned that many children, families, and individuals suffer from trauma. Often client's diagnosis of PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Bi-Polar, and ADHD are related to early childhood and adult trauma, as well as a lack of early secure attachment to their primary caregiver. Recent studies in Neuroscience confirm that Neuropathways in the brain develop based on these traumas.
(559) 540-8528 View (559) 540-8528
Photo of Stacy Marie Borchardt, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Fresno County, CA
Stacy Marie Borchardt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93711
Whether one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or relational stress, my goal is to demystify these symptoms and provide evidence-based treatments that will help you improve.
I believe you can have a life of purpose, passion, and growth. I imagine every individual or couple has the ability to get curious, change patterns, and recover from even the most difficult life circumstances. Although the thought of therapy can be scary at times, reaching out to a compassionate professional can be the first step in learning new ways to manage past hurts or embrace new life transitions. I view my role as your teammate; helping you to achieve your goals and jointly discovering a healthy path forward. Your life is your own and I am committed to helping you realize a vision for your future that is uniquely yours.
Whether one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or relational stress, my goal is to demystify these symptoms and provide evidence-based treatments that will help you improve.
I believe you can have a life of purpose, passion, and growth. I imagine every individual or couple has the ability to get curious, change patterns, and recover from even the most difficult life circumstances. Although the thought of therapy can be scary at times, reaching out to a compassionate professional can be the first step in learning new ways to manage past hurts or embrace new life transitions. I view my role as your teammate; helping you to achieve your goals and jointly discovering a healthy path forward. Your life is your own and I am committed to helping you realize a vision for your future that is uniquely yours.
(559) 702-9122 View (559) 702-9122
Photo of Melissa Putman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Melissa Putman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Clovis, CA 93612
Relationships and life experiences create opportunities for discovery, growth, and connecting more fully with ourselves and others. I believe healing is found through relationships and by integrating our life experiences when we open our hearts, become more empathetic, and discover greater authenticity within ourselves and our relationships. I work with adult individuals and couples helping them to unpack life’s challenges in order to find understanding, compassion, positive sense of self, relational intimacy, and healing.
Relationships and life experiences create opportunities for discovery, growth, and connecting more fully with ourselves and others. I believe healing is found through relationships and by integrating our life experiences when we open our hearts, become more empathetic, and discover greater authenticity within ourselves and our relationships. I work with adult individuals and couples helping them to unpack life’s challenges in order to find understanding, compassion, positive sense of self, relational intimacy, and healing.
(559) 550-2644 View (559) 550-2644
Photo of Christina Trindade, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Christina Trindade
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93727
I have found that my style and approach are the best fit for young adults, couples, and individuals who may be dealing with relational distress, challenges of life transitions, and social pressures.
My name is Christina Trindade and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Modesto, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with couples and individuals specializing in anxiety, stress, phase of life adjustments, and relational distress utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Strategic Therapy, and Gottman theories to help my clients make progress, heal relationships, and start feeling better.
I have found that my style and approach are the best fit for young adults, couples, and individuals who may be dealing with relational distress, challenges of life transitions, and social pressures.
My name is Christina Trindade and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Modesto, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with couples and individuals specializing in anxiety, stress, phase of life adjustments, and relational distress utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Strategic Therapy, and Gottman theories to help my clients make progress, heal relationships, and start feeling better.
(559) 702-5122 View (559) 702-5122
Photo of Jennifer Cisneros, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Jennifer Cisneros
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93720
Everyone deserves a warm, accepting, and safe environment to process their struggles. I offer hope and healing from discomfort or emotional pain, no matter where you are in your journey. I love witnessing the growth in people as we collaborate to reach your goals and alleviate distressing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, addictions, codependency, and relational problems. I believe in the transformational power of therapy to help learn from past mistakes, reduce internal conflict, and recover from negative thinking and behavioral issues.
Everyone deserves a warm, accepting, and safe environment to process their struggles. I offer hope and healing from discomfort or emotional pain, no matter where you are in your journey. I love witnessing the growth in people as we collaborate to reach your goals and alleviate distressing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, addictions, codependency, and relational problems. I believe in the transformational power of therapy to help learn from past mistakes, reduce internal conflict, and recover from negative thinking and behavioral issues.
(559) 234-4946 View (559) 234-4946
Photo of Sara Fierro, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Sara Fierro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93727
My name is Sara Fierro, I am dually licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Clinical Counselor. My focus areas include, but are not limited to, anxiety, trauma and resilience, depression, LGBTQIA+, life transitions, spirituality, interpersonal relationships/relational conflict, women's issues, dual diagnosis, ADHD, parenting, and self-esteem. I have an eclectic approach to therapy because I utilize interventions and skills from many theoretical orientations, including Client-Centered, Narrative, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Holistic, and Interpersonal
My name is Sara Fierro, I am dually licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Clinical Counselor. My focus areas include, but are not limited to, anxiety, trauma and resilience, depression, LGBTQIA+, life transitions, spirituality, interpersonal relationships/relational conflict, women's issues, dual diagnosis, ADHD, parenting, and self-esteem. I have an eclectic approach to therapy because I utilize interventions and skills from many theoretical orientations, including Client-Centered, Narrative, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Holistic, and Interpersonal
(559) 342-2573 View (559) 342-2573
Photo of Carolina Myrvold, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Carolina Myrvold
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93702
My name is Carolina Myrvold and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles County, California and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I have been a Psychotherapist in Southern California for over 20 years where I specialize in parenting and infant mental health. Via telehealth I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in helping families and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. I use Relational Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals, parents, couples, and families find peace and wholeness in their relationships.
My name is Carolina Myrvold and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles County, California and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I have been a Psychotherapist in Southern California for over 20 years where I specialize in parenting and infant mental health. Via telehealth I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in helping families and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. I use Relational Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals, parents, couples, and families find peace and wholeness in their relationships.
(760) 314-8640 View (760) 314-8640
Photo of Heidi C. Schelling, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Heidi C. Schelling, PhD, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93720
Waitlist for new clients
Psychotherapy through lens of Attachment/Relational theories.
I have openings starting in September, mostly in morning (Mon/Wed) and on Telehealth. New Growth Begins...Let's Start the Conversation. Over twenty years of experience as licensed clinician working alongside children, young adults, and adults who have presented with a variety of mental health needs, adjustment concerns, transitions or life issues. I work with all ages and developmental stages of life. I do have specialty training providing play therapy along with seeing young adults and adults. I provide Clinical Supervision at the post graduate level for those practitioners working as Associates toward licensure.
Psychotherapy through lens of Attachment/Relational theories.
I have openings starting in September, mostly in morning (Mon/Wed) and on Telehealth. New Growth Begins...Let's Start the Conversation. Over twenty years of experience as licensed clinician working alongside children, young adults, and adults who have presented with a variety of mental health needs, adjustment concerns, transitions or life issues. I work with all ages and developmental stages of life. I do have specialty training providing play therapy along with seeing young adults and adults. I provide Clinical Supervision at the post graduate level for those practitioners working as Associates toward licensure.
(458) 203-6775 View (458) 203-6775
Photo of James Clarke, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
James Clarke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93720
Hello! My name is James Clarke and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. I approach therapy with a foundation of compassion and draw from years of experience and genuine passion for serving others. My therapeutic style is centered around building a strong relational connection and fostering an interactive and supportive environment to collaboratively work towards your goals.
Hello! My name is James Clarke and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. I approach therapy with a foundation of compassion and draw from years of experience and genuine passion for serving others. My therapeutic style is centered around building a strong relational connection and fostering an interactive and supportive environment to collaboratively work towards your goals.
(909) 640-3990 View (909) 640-3990
Photo of Alyson Pena, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fresno County, CA
Alyson Pena
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93706
I utilize Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and Gottman methods to lead couples to change.
My name is Alyson Pena, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I am deeply passionate about guiding couples to create healthy, connected, and fulfilling relationships utilizing RLT and Gottman methods. I can help couples who are stuck in repeated patterns of hurting each other, feel alone in their marriage, and simply want to feel desired again.
I utilize Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and Gottman methods to lead couples to change.
My name is Alyson Pena, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I am deeply passionate about guiding couples to create healthy, connected, and fulfilling relationships utilizing RLT and Gottman methods. I can help couples who are stuck in repeated patterns of hurting each other, feel alone in their marriage, and simply want to feel desired again.
(510) 930-1734 View (510) 930-1734
Photo of Erica Tadeo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Erica Tadeo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93706
Therapy can be a powerful tool to overcome life’s obstacles. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping others navigate through life by achieving their goals and living happy, healthy, rewarding lives. Since 2017, I have worked with diverse populations ranging from children, adolescents, young adults, older adults, and families. I have experience working on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, relational issues, life transitions, stress management, behavioral disorders, and personal growth. The best way to help and support others through positive growth is with collaboration and compassion.
Therapy can be a powerful tool to overcome life’s obstacles. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping others navigate through life by achieving their goals and living happy, healthy, rewarding lives. Since 2017, I have worked with diverse populations ranging from children, adolescents, young adults, older adults, and families. I have experience working on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, relational issues, life transitions, stress management, behavioral disorders, and personal growth. The best way to help and support others through positive growth is with collaboration and compassion.
(424) 622-5724 View (424) 622-5724
Photo of Susan Kaufman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Susan Kaufman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93710
Often I integrate neuropsychology and humanistic theory when working with trauma and relational issues.
Susan Kaufman, LMFT123914. I look at therapy as an opportunity to look at one's current thoughts and behaviors and appreciate what is working for you and to change what is not. I use an individualized approach, solution focus approach, often integrating mindful awareness, cognitive behavior therapy, humanistic philosophy and neuropsychology. My areas of specialization are parenting relational issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, parenting support, perinatal mood & anxiety disorders, trauma/PTSD and addiction.
Often I integrate neuropsychology and humanistic theory when working with trauma and relational issues.
Susan Kaufman, LMFT123914. I look at therapy as an opportunity to look at one's current thoughts and behaviors and appreciate what is working for you and to change what is not. I use an individualized approach, solution focus approach, often integrating mindful awareness, cognitive behavior therapy, humanistic philosophy and neuropsychology. My areas of specialization are parenting relational issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, parenting support, perinatal mood & anxiety disorders, trauma/PTSD and addiction.
(949) 704-6390 View (949) 704-6390
Photo of Noushafarin “Nunu” Tabatabai, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Noushafarin “Nunu” Tabatabai
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93701
Therapy can be scary and costly . It isn’t either in my practice. We all experience change, transition, conflict, work and relational stressors. Many experience trauma and stressors that begin to impact daily functioning. Therapy is a safe place to discuss and explore the current stressors you are facing. I’ll help make this possible in an empathetic and AFFORDABLE environment that fosters growth, and healing. You do the talking and I do the listening, caring and provide the tools to assist you in navigating life’s circumstances. Together we can work to address the personal and or relational stressors impacting your life!
Therapy can be scary and costly . It isn’t either in my practice. We all experience change, transition, conflict, work and relational stressors. Many experience trauma and stressors that begin to impact daily functioning. Therapy is a safe place to discuss and explore the current stressors you are facing. I’ll help make this possible in an empathetic and AFFORDABLE environment that fosters growth, and healing. You do the talking and I do the listening, caring and provide the tools to assist you in navigating life’s circumstances. Together we can work to address the personal and or relational stressors impacting your life!
(559) 415-3351 View (559) 415-3351
Photo of Brianne Ballard, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Brianne Ballard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Clovis, CA 93619  (Online Only)
My name is Brianne Ballard and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in La Verne, California while working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults that are in all phases of life to help cope with transitions, anxiety, depression, parenting, women's issues, past trauma, and relational issues to name a few. I help guide you in finding what you need out of therapy to be in a more mindful, authentic, and peaceful state.
My name is Brianne Ballard and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in La Verne, California while working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults that are in all phases of life to help cope with transitions, anxiety, depression, parenting, women's issues, past trauma, and relational issues to name a few. I help guide you in finding what you need out of therapy to be in a more mindful, authentic, and peaceful state.
(951) 494-4861 View (951) 494-4861
Photo of Yanina M Rivera Lopez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Yanina M Rivera Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sanger, CA 93657
I take a relational and evidence based approach to treatment, center your voice, and guide a process of co-creating your healing journey.
If you're looking for a holistic, decolonizing and evidence based approach at managing your mental health symptoms: you've come to the right place. If you have been struggling with your emotional wellness for what feels like a lifetime, I also offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I take a relational and evidence based approach to treatment, center your voice, and guide a process of co-creating your healing journey.
If you're looking for a holistic, decolonizing and evidence based approach at managing your mental health symptoms: you've come to the right place. If you have been struggling with your emotional wellness for what feels like a lifetime, I also offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
(510) 930-0946 View (510) 930-0946
Photo of Sahiba Singh Chowdhary, Psychologist in Fresno County, CA
Sahiba Singh Chowdhary
Psychologist, PsyD, MACJ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93725  (Online Only)
I work through an empowerment-based, trauma-focused, and relational framework; consider how intersecting identities contribute to unique life experiences; and collaborate alongside my clients in the room.
Throughout my service in various clinical settings, I have been struck by the importance of creating a safe space for those seeking mental health care and working towards personal growth. While I treat a wide range of mental health concerns, I specialize in working with those who: are navigating life transitions, including relationship and dating challenges, grief and loss, medical difficulties, or relocation; are striving to find effective ways of managing difficult emotions and communicating with others; have faced interpersonal traumas or identity-based invalidations; or are struggling to engage in meaningful ways with others.
I work through an empowerment-based, trauma-focused, and relational framework; consider how intersecting identities contribute to unique life experiences; and collaborate alongside my clients in the room.
Throughout my service in various clinical settings, I have been struck by the importance of creating a safe space for those seeking mental health care and working towards personal growth. While I treat a wide range of mental health concerns, I specialize in working with those who: are navigating life transitions, including relationship and dating challenges, grief and loss, medical difficulties, or relocation; are striving to find effective ways of managing difficult emotions and communicating with others; have faced interpersonal traumas or identity-based invalidations; or are struggling to engage in meaningful ways with others.
(510) 822-8064 View (510) 822-8064
Photo of Jeff Crane, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Jeff Crane
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93720
As therapist I really enjoy working with couples as well as individual issues. My training and years of experience in assessment and treatment have focused on various relationship issues (i.e. infidelity, communication problems, marital problems, pre-marital issues, etc ) as well as individual struggles (i.e. anxiety, depression, adolescent delinquency, etc) and family problems (parenting, step-families, co-parenting, family cohesion, etc.)
As therapist I really enjoy working with couples as well as individual issues. My training and years of experience in assessment and treatment have focused on various relationship issues (i.e. infidelity, communication problems, marital problems, pre-marital issues, etc ) as well as individual struggles (i.e. anxiety, depression, adolescent delinquency, etc) and family problems (parenting, step-families, co-parenting, family cohesion, etc.)
(559) 644-0109 View (559) 644-0109
Photo of Carol A Dela Torre, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Carol A Dela Torre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93704
Thank you for taking a moment to view my profile. I am currently accepting new clients and I will return all calls promptly. I offer a grounded and authentic approach to therapy. I'm a therapist that supports and engages you instead of sitting back analzying you. My specialities include over 25 years working with couples, child and adult survivors of sexual trauma, domestic violence, adolescents, young adults and parenting teens and all issues around adoption and foster care. I have experience working with individuals who have problems with pornography addiction, sexual addiction and Alpha Males. I work with PTSD and trauma from the military. .
Thank you for taking a moment to view my profile. I am currently accepting new clients and I will return all calls promptly. I offer a grounded and authentic approach to therapy. I'm a therapist that supports and engages you instead of sitting back analzying you. My specialities include over 25 years working with couples, child and adult survivors of sexual trauma, domestic violence, adolescents, young adults and parenting teens and all issues around adoption and foster care. I have experience working with individuals who have problems with pornography addiction, sexual addiction and Alpha Males. I work with PTSD and trauma from the military. .
(559) 664-3534 View (559) 664-3534
Photo of Kathleen Chavoor Bergen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fresno County, CA
Kathleen Chavoor Bergen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93711
Kathleen Chavoor-Bergen, M.A., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on Jungian and Depth psychology. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, Kathleen possesses a unique skill set to engage with dreams, symbols, active imagination, myths, and play therapy. As a Depth therapist, Kathleen understands how individuals can become entangled in challenging behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that impact relationships and perpetuate personal distress. These recurring patterns often trace back to generational and behavioral blueprints influenced by cultural, societal, and familial histories.
Kathleen Chavoor-Bergen, M.A., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on Jungian and Depth psychology. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, Kathleen possesses a unique skill set to engage with dreams, symbols, active imagination, myths, and play therapy. As a Depth therapist, Kathleen understands how individuals can become entangled in challenging behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that impact relationships and perpetuate personal distress. These recurring patterns often trace back to generational and behavioral blueprints influenced by cultural, societal, and familial histories.
(559) 597-8658 View (559) 597-8658

See more therapy options for Fresno County

Relational Therapists

How does relational therapy work?

Relational therapy was developed by psychologist Jean Miller, whose ideas stressed that having strong connections with others encourages better health and well-being when compared with a lonely existence. Conversely, poor interpersonal relationships do not foster growth and learning. Relational therapy also encourages trust in others and patience with others, along with better communication and less conflict.

Is relational therapy evidence-based?

Relational therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating certain mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral or acceptance and commitment therapy. However, relational therapy uses techniques found in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as psychodynamic therapy, which are both well-studied with empirical research.

How long are people typically in relational therapy?

Clients may see improvement after a few weeks or months of therapy. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy can reduce symptoms within 10 to 20 weeks, at 45 to 50 minutes once a week. But like any type of therapy, improvement depends on the person and the severity of the problem.

Does relational therapy work?

While no therapy type will work for everyone, some evidence suggests that this therapy can be effective. Relational therapy can help a person manage problematic relationships as well as the mental health conditions that accompany difficult relationships like depression or anxiety. This therapy type may offer benefits that are hard to measure but can be just as valuable—including feelings of higher self-worth or healthier connections with others.