A view from a rocky shoreline on an overcast day to represent viewing choppy seas as a toxic relationship.

Exploring Love Addiction in Toxic Relationships

alana barlia November 26, 2023

Your brain is in an addictive cycle of reward & punishment that is so difficult to release. And that is because of something called Intermitten Reinforcement. Read on to learn more about how our brain chemistry plays a role in our crucial relationship choices.

an ocean wave spreading out over the tan sand of a beach.

Protect Yourself: Learning to Set Boundaries With a Narcissist

alana barlia November 20, 2023

The best way to deal with the narcissist in your life? Set. Boundaries. This blog post will guide you through some necessary boundaries to set with the narcissist in your life.

looking up to the sun with tree leaves around the image edges.

Reclaiming Your Truth: A Journey to Self-Validation After Gaslighting

alana barlia November 20, 2023

Reclaiming your truth and validating yourself after being gaslit in your relationships is difficult. Read here to learn more about how to reclaim yourself through the healing journey.

A couple sitting on a bench looking at San Fransisco Bay and bridge viewed from behind.

My Partner is Showing Signs of a Personality Disorder: But Which One?

alana barlia September 20, 2021

Feeling unsafe in your relationship with your partner? Or wondering if they are exhibiting tendencies of a personality disorder? Here is a summarized look at the similarities and differences between Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder as it relates to intimate partner relationships.

close up of legs crossed and a woman's hand resting on top of book titled, "Parenting" by Tripp.

Narcissistic Parenting and the Cycle of Abuse: Part I

alana barlia July 1, 2021

Narcissistic Personality Disorder in a parent deeply affects children. Here I explore the cycle of abuse that ensues when a parent struggles with NPD.

Woman in running attire with hands on top of her head on a trail in the country side.

5 Myths about Borderline Personality Disorder

alana barlia February 21, 2020

There are a lot of myths out there about Borderline Personality Disorder, and it can be difficult to sift through what’s real and what’s not. Read on to learn about some of the myths I have debunked about Borderline Personality Disorder.