Ascendance Therapy

02/20/2026

Pets do more than keep us company — they help meet deep attachment needs, offer comfort, and boost our well‑being. Read this latest post to learn how those bonds form and why they matter.

Pets often become more than just animals living in our homes. They fill emotional spaces that many people find hard to satisfy elsewhere. This bond goes beyond simple companionship. It taps into deep human needs for connection, security, and comfort. Understanding how pets meet our attachment needs....

02/18/2026

Do you find yourself explaining feelings instead of feeling them? The Ups & Downs of Intellectualizing explores how over-relying on logic can both protect and disconnect us — and how to find balance.

Intellectualizing is a common way people handle emotions and complex situations by focusing on logic and reasoning. It can feel like a mental rollercoaster, with moments of clarity and control followed by times of confusion or emotional disconnect. Understanding the ups and downs of intellectualizin...

02/16/2026

https://www.ascendancetherapy.com/post/silent-relationship-agreements-and-their-impact-on-connection

Many relationships operate under silent agreements—unspoken understandings that shape the dynamics of the relationship without explicit discussion. These silent relationship agreements influence how we behave, what we expect, and how we resolve conflicts. It is helpful to understand these hidden c...

02/13/2026

https://www.ascendancetherapy.com/post/seeking-love-vs-seeking-validation-understanding-your-true-motivations

Are you looking for love or validation of your worth? This question can be surprisingly difficult to answer. Many people confuse the two and end up chasing relationships to fill a need for approval rather than genuine connection. Understanding the difference between seeking love and seeking validati...

02/11/2026

https://www.ascendancetherapy.com/post/why-friendships-matter

When people think about close relationships, romantic partnerships often take center stage. Society tends to emphasize the importance of finding a significant other, sometimes overshadowing the value of friendships. Yet, friendships play an equally vital role in our emotional well-being and life sat...

02/06/2026

https://www.ascendancetherapy.com/post/embracing-your-partner-s-otherness-a-guide-to-relationship-growth

Feeling uneasy about your partner’s differences is more common than you might think. When someone you care about has values, habits, or ways of thinking that feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable, it can create tension. Yet, these differences also hold the potential to deepen your connection and h...

02/05/2026

02/04/2026

https://www.ascendancetherapy.com/post/understanding-the-three-unhealthy-self-esteem-styles-and-their-impact-on-mental-health

Self-esteem shapes how we see ourselves and influences our mental health. When self-esteem is unhealthy, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and difficulties in relationships. Understanding the different ways self-esteem can become unhealthy helps us recognize patterns that might be holding us back. Thi...