Author: Deborah Richelieu, LMFT
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An Open Letter to the Single Woman Waiting for a Good Husband: Keeping Hope Alive When the Dating Scene Feels Grim
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Dear Beautiful, Brave, and Wonderfully Single Woman, As the month of love comes to a close, I want you to know, I see you. I know that navigating the dating scene feels like walking through a minefield while wearing heels. Or, if you’re like some women, it’s more like walking…
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Valentine’s Day Pressure: A Therapist’s Take on Navigating Expectations
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Valentine’s Day often brings a sense of pressure for couples—whether it’s the expectation of grand gestures, expensive gifts, or social media perfection. As a couples therapist, I see how these pressures can strain relationships rather than strengthen them. Here’s why it happens: External Expectations: Society paints a picture of…
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Is Your Love Deeply Rooted in Christ?
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Love is one of the most powerful forces in the world, yet its true depth can only be found when it is deeply rooted in Christ. Love without Him is fleeting, influenced by the world’s standards and circumstances. But when we allow His love to be the foundation of ours,…
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Reflecting on 2024: How Couples Can Embrace a Fresh Start in 2025
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As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together as couples. Every relationship experiences its ups and downs, but the key to growth lies in taking the lessons learned and using them as stepping stones toward a healthier, more fulfilling…
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Grieving Marriages: Navigating Loss of a Loved One Together
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At the start of this year, my husband and I found ourselves grappling with the profound loss of a loved one. Immediately, we were overwhelmed by intense grief, shock, and emotional pain. It was a time of heartache, and our marriage faced one of its toughest challenges yet. Amidst the…
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Navigating Holiday Stress as a Couple
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Can you believe Thanksgiving is only a few days away? The holidays are often a time for celebration, connection, and tradition. However, for many couples, the holiday season can also bring a unique set of pressures that can strain even the healthiest relationships. As a therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how…
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Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Families as a Newly Married Couple
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As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how couples can struggle with balancing their family dynamics while trying to create their own family unit. Setting boundaries with in-laws and extended family is not always easy, but it’s a crucial step in building a strong, sustainable partnership. In this blog, I’ll…
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The Importance of Premarital Counseling: A Faith-Based Perspective
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“And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together.” Mark 10 vs. 9 Entering into marriage is one of the most significant commitments a couple can make. It’s a journey that promises joy, growth, and challenges. As a faith-based therapist, I believe that premarital counseling is an…
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Marriage Lessons During the 2020 Pandemic
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In couples therapy, (when it is relevant to a couple’s goal) I will self disclose and offer real life examples from my own marriage. When the pandemic arrived in 2020, my husband and I had been married for eight years. The sudden shift in our daily lives forced us to…
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Embracing Change and Finding Gratitude
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In the summer of 2020, I found myself waking up after just a few hours of sleep—first around 3:00 AM and then again at 6:30 AM. This wasn’t typical for me; I usually enjoy sleeping in. But after a long, restless night, I sensed that today was different. This spring…