Tickle Toy Blog

Richard Nicastro, PhD examines why couples fight and proposes that bickering isn’t always the way it seems.  Though bickering can clearly be problematic, he proposes the possibility that sometimes it might be fun. Key Takeaways Bickering is often harmless—but clarifying. It’s a form of communication, not abuse, and can help release stress or tension. Stress-driven

Trust, once broken, can feel really challenging to mend. However, with consistent effort, vulnerability, and a genuine commitment to change, it can be rebuilt. A woman asks Lisa how to regain trust in her relationship. Lisa’s response to her offers steps to do this, emphasizing open communication, consistent actions, and the creation of emotional safety

A woman shares her concern about the lack of emotional safety in her relationship and her challenge with getting him to understand what she needs from him. The Question to Lisa “I read your article on emotional safety, and it seems to be lacking in my recent relationship. I had been dating a guy on

Sometimes the biggest relationship problems are not the loudest. Be most concerned about the issues that go unspoken, especially if conflict avoidance is normal for both partners. Key Takeaways Subtle, consistent negativity or lack of emotional presence is often the “relationship killer” we ignore. Quiet forms of disconnection—like emotional withdrawal, conflict avoidance, or silent treatment—can

Dating these days can be challenging as it is with dating app swipe culture and the overall uncertainty of trying to figure out who another person is. Through the process, an important things to keep your eye on is the presence of emotional safety. Key Takeaways Emotional safety is the foundation of intimacy, trust, and

Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is your guide: Understanding your internal patterns is a key to growth. Family of Origin Work is your foundation: Clarity around past experiences illuminates present challenges and is integral to healing. Focus on your emotional health along the way: Cultivating emotional resilience and regulation is essential for a fulfilling life. Try to

Most people have felt that rush of intense emotion when first attracted to someone: the butterflies, the obsessive thoughts, the constant yearning. Long-distance relationships can be a breeding ground for intense emotions, and the distinction between limerence and love is important to have awareness of with the intensified aspect of longing. Is this whirlwind of

The reign of online dating and its hallmark “swipe culture” is experiencing a steep decline. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge became the go-to for people looking for love, or at least a connection. But recent trends suggest this phenomenon is waning. More people are expressing fatigue with the superficiality, gamification, and often disappointing outcomes

While many are anticipating the upcoming holidays to be merry and bright, there are others who dread the political elephant in the room at their family gatherings where divergent opinions are a reality. As a practicing psychotherapist, I’ve noticed it coming up a lot in my practice lately, the question of how to enjoy the

Intimacy, the feeling of closeness and emotional connection with another person, is the cornerstone of healthy and fulfilling relationships, playing a vital role in relationship satisfaction, fostering trust, commitment, and overall well-being. It encompasses various aspects, including emotional, intellectual, physical, and shared experiences, though partners might have different meanings around these, so important to check