Cheri Ruch, LPC

Cider is now an AKC recognized Canine Good Citizen!! He passed his evaluation last evening. This was the first step in his journey to become a therapy dog. The next phase of his training will begin later this spring. Keep watching as I report on his progress.

After a hard day of running or playing with Zita our Vizsla, Cider likes to find a comfy place to nap. This week, he starts the first phase of training for therapy work so he can help my clients. However, he is primarily a family companion and he never misses a chance to remind us of his prefered role 😁

Valentine's Day: Beyond the Fairy Tale 💕

Does Valentine's Day feel more stressful than romantic? You're not alone. As we approach February 14th, many of us find ourselves caught between Pinterest-perfect expectations and real-life reality. But here's what I want you to know: this day doesn't have to define your worth or your relationships.

Understanding the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality 🎬

Valentine's Day carries immense cultural weight. Media, advertisements, and romantic narratives have painted an idealized picture—the perfect gift, the grand gesture, the fairy-tale moment. When reality doesn't match these fantasies, it's easy to feel disappointed, anxious, or even questioning of your value in a relationship.

The truth? Most people experience this gap. Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, Valentine's Day can trigger feelings of inadequacy. But here's where perspective matters: how someone chooses to celebrate—or not celebrate—this day says nothing about who you are or your inherent worth. Your value isn't determined by romantic gestures or external validation.

Reframe This February 14th 🌟

Instead of waiting for someone else to honor you, consider this an invitation to celebrate yourself. Acknowledge your contributions, your growth, and your resilience. Self-love isn't selfish—it's foundational. Whether that looks like a quiet evening with your favorite book, time with friends, a special meal, or meaningful conversation with your partner, the key is intentionality.

Use this day as a reminder that you deserve kindness, respect, and appreciation—especially from yourself.

I'd love to hear from you: How do you typically feel about Valentine's Day? What's one way you plan to honor yourself this February 14th? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 💭

If you're struggling with relationship anxiety or self-worth concerns, I'm here to support you. Let's talk.

Secrets about Counseling for Couples

When Dishes Aren't Really About Dishes 🍽️💔
Here's something many couples don't realize: conflict in relationships isn't the problem—it's how we respond to it.
You might have heard that couples counseling will magically erase disagreements. That's not quite right. Conflict is actually a natural, healthy part of intimate relationships. What does change in therapy is how you understand and navigate those conflicts together.
Understanding the Real Message Behind the Mess
Think about this: your partner leaves dishes in the sink. Frustrating, right? But here's what's really happening beneath the surface. 💭
The dishes themselves aren't the issue. Instead, both partners are interpreting that simple action through different lenses shaped by their childhood experiences, family messages, and relationship beliefs. One partner might think, "They don't care about me," while the other genuinely didn't give it a second thought. When you ask, "Why can't you put your dishes away?" your partner might hear, "You can't do anything right."
These invisible messages—the ones we absorbed growing up—are what truly drive our conflicts. In couples counseling, we don't just address the surface argument. We help you both recognize these patterns, understand the "negative conflict cycle," and most importantly, learn how to repair and reconnect after disagreements. 🤝
Moving Forward Together
Working through conflict doesn't mean avoiding it—it means building trust and emotional connection strong enough to weather any storm as a team. Counseling gives you the tools to break unhelpful patterns and restore the closeness conflicts temporarily damage.
What conflicts keep surfacing in your relationship? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you're ready to understand what's really driving your disagreements, let's talk. You don't have to navigate this alone. 💚