I’ve begun to notice trends working with straight couples or women on the brink of marriage — standing at that threshold between the independent shape of their lives and the subtle shift that begins when a shared future comes into view. There is often excitement there, devotion, and deep love. But oftentimes trends surrounding the same questions seemed to emerge: “Why doesn’t he know what to say when I’m upset?”“Why won’t he plan a date?”“Why do I feel like the manager of this relationship?”...

Emotional Neglect as a Structural Outcome, Not an Individual Moral Failing Research and social analysis increasingly show that a lack of love is not a core culprit for childhood emotional neglect. Much more often, it emerges from chronic stress, limited support, and systemic conditions that overwhelm parents’ emotional capacity. Across countries and cultures, parenting does not occur in a vacuum. It is shaped—or constrained—by economic pressure, social expectations, isolation, and...

I don’t claim to have telepathy, but I’d bet good money predicting some of the thoughts that can show up for a new client who is still...