April 2026
Rethinking Sex Addiction Terminology
I used to use the term sex addiction, but that seems too condemning now. I prefer the terms compulsive sexual behavior, problematic sexual behavior, or unwanted sexual behavior. The shift from the term “sex addiction” to phrases like “compulsive sexual behavior,” “problematic sexual behavior,” or “unwanted sexual behavior,” reflects more than just a change in vocabulary—it signals a broader evolution in how trained therapists, researchers, and individuals understand human sexuality, agency, and relational distress. Language tends to shape perception, and in this case, it can either reinforce negative stigma or create space for nuance, compassion, and effective care. “Sex addiction”
March 2026
5 Things Men Can Do to Create More Connection in Their Relationship
The Hidden Cost of Constant Connection A lot of men really do love their wives. They care. They want the marriage to work. They’re trying to provide, trying to stay out of conflict, trying to keep things moving. But even with all of that, many of them still end up feeling confused about why the relationship feels distant. They’ll say things like, “I’m here. I’m trying. I don’t know what else she wants from me.” Usually, what’s missing is not effort. It’s a connection. And connection is not built primarily through big moments. It’s built through the way a man
Social Media, Screen Time, and the Mental Health Crisis: What Adults in Relationships Need to Know
Most conversations about screen time and mental health focus on teenagers, but adults aren’t immune to the emotional toll of constant digital connection. In fact, for people in committed relationships, the impact can be even more complex. Social media shapes how we communicate, how we compare ourselves to others, and how present we are with the people we love. The mental‑health crisis linked to digital overload isn’t just a youth issue. It’s a relationship issue, a self‑worth issue, and a quality‑of‑life issue for adults navigating work, family, and partnership in a hyperconnected world. The Hidden Cost of Constant Connection Adults
Is AI Replacing Therapy? A West Texas Perspective
Over the past couple of years, artificial intelligence has become part of everyday life. People are using it to draft emails, plan trips, study for exams, and, increasingly, to ask personal questions about their relationships and mental health. If you’ve ever typed something like: “Is this emotional abuse?” “How do I rebuild trust after an affair?” “Is my drinking becoming a problem?” “Why do I shut down during conflict?” You’re not alone. AI can be helpful. It’s fast, anonymous, and available at 2:00 a.m. when you can’t sleep. For many people in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, especially in
February 2026
Why ‘Let It Go’ Doesn’t Actually Work
We’ve all heard that before. “Just let it go”. “Let it go” sounds great in a children’s musical, but we all know that real life often doesn’t come with a musical resolution and magic palace. While people often mention this with good intentions, this advice can often leave someone feeling frustrated or broken when they can’t seem to do it. If letting go were that simple, most of us would have done it already. When something painful happens in our close relationships, we store that emotional memory. Then old arguments may resurface, certain events trigger us, and we can feel
November 2024
Therapists Need Therapy Too
By Adrienne Rains, LMFT-Associate Supervised by Dr. Mark White As therapists, we carry a lot of things with us in our hearts, minds, and souls. We need a place to get those things out. When in school or newly licensed we have a supervisor that allows us to express ourselves in a safe place. We are constantly talked to about self-care and what our plan is, but what happens when we are finished with school and supervision and on our own in private practice and our self-care falls by the wayside? This is when therapists need to turn to other
March 2020
Progress vs. Perfection
I had an interesting conversation today about progress versus perfection. This is a concept that gets discussed often in my office and I would like to expound on it; also I found the following, awesome, quote by Voltaire: When we think of progress, what comes to mind? I think of steady advancement toward a goal. Whether that goal is a mental health accomplishment, a wood working project, a vehicle restoration, a scrap book, or recovery, progress is an incremental move toward a goal. Perfection is what? I think it is an ideal, it is something that we hold in our mind as
Self-Care, Not Just Chocolates and Bubble Baths
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you just can’t give any more? Your tank is running on empty, and it’s only Thursday. You tell yourself that you only have to make it two more days until the weekend. Then your boss informs you that you’re going to have to come in on Saturday to finish up a project. Then daycare calls and tells you your child is throwing up and has a fever. Then your spouse informs you that they forgot to mention that their parents are coming over for dinner on Sunday. Suddenly, the weekend you’ve
