Philip Lewis Therapy

12/03/2025

🎁 Is Your Secret Santa a Narcissist?

Here's an article that grows more and more relevant over the holidays!

The holidays have a way of magnifying everything in a relationship — the good, the stressful, and sometimes… the unsettling.

If you’ve ever opened a gift from your partner and thought:
“Wait… what does this even SAY about us?”
or
“Why does this feel off?”
— you’re not imagining it.

Gift-giving can be a window into deeper relational patterns.
For healthy couples, gifts reflect thoughtfulness, care, and emotional connection.

But in strained or toxic relationships, gifting can get weaponized — used for control, validation, manipulation, or to avoid responsibility.

If you’ve ever felt uneasy or confused by your partner’s “generosity,” this breakdown might give you the insight you’ve been looking for.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.mytherapistphil.com/post/can-holiday-gifts-reveal-red-flags-in-a-relationship

If someone you care about might need to hear this, please feel free to share.

No one should spend the holidays second-guessing their reality.

Observing how your partner approaches gift-giving can provide valuable insight into the strength or weakness of your relationship.

12/03/2025

Holiday breakup dilemma?

Before you decide to stay, go, or wait until January, ask yourself these 5 essential questions.

They could save you from making a painful, rushed decision:

👉 https://www.mytherapistphil.com/post/couples-therapist-reveals-5-questions-you-must-explore-before-breaking-up-during-holidays

As always, if you’re feeling stuck, I’m here to help.

5 Key Questions You Must Ask Before Calling it QuitsHolidays can bring out both the best and the worst in romantic relationships.The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve can be especially challenging for couples. Shopping pressures, toxic family dynamics, and increased spending stress can...

10/29/2025

Some people stay calm in conflict — others spiral or shut down.
The difference often traces back to what we learned about relationships growing up.
 
Your attachment style is the relational pattern you developed early in life —
how you learned to feel safe, connect with others,
and manage difficult emotions when things get hard.
 
The good news? Attachment style isn’t fixed in stone.
With mindful awareness and safe relationships,
you can earn security —
a steadier, more trusting way to love and be loved.
 

10/13/2025

🌿New Article: How to Rescue Your Relationship by Being “Wrong”

Most couples think the secret to a happy relationship is winning arguments — proving who’s “right.”

But what if that belief is actually destroying your connection?

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.mytherapistphil.com/post/rescue-your-relationship-by-being-wrong-how-couples-therapy-los-angeles-helps

In my latest article, I explain why trying to win every argument backfires — and how embracing different subjective ‘truths’ can actually bring you closer. You’ll learn:

💡 Why partners often remember the same event so differently
💡 How our personal brain filters shape “truth” in relationships
💡 Practical strategies to stop the cycle of objectivity battles and start communicating relationally

10/11/2025

Some people think the secret to relationship bliss is making sure they’re the one who’s always right.

But the real magic happens when couples stop keeping score.

In fact, being “wrong” is sometimes the wisest relational move you can make to rescue your marriage.
 
👉 Tap the link in bio to read my new article: How to Rescue Your Relationship by Being “Wrong.”

💬 So, do you want to be right—or do you want to be in a relationship?


 
Shout out to — founder of Relational Life Therapy, couples “whisperer,” and my imaginary mentor (he just doesn’t know it yet) for his oft-repeated, wise gem: “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be married?” (A quote also referenced in his New York Times bestselling book “Us” p.46)

09/15/2025

High achievers know how to solve problems, maximize potential, and push through challenges.

But addiction recovery can feel like the one problem that won’t budge.

Here’s the good news: your past isn’t a liability. It’s the raw material for success. By reimagining your story, you can rewire your brain, strengthen recovery, and turn substance abuse setbacks into fuel for growth.

👉 Read more in my new article: https://www.mytherapistphil.com/post/addiction-recovery-professionals-transform-substance-abuse-into-success

Discover how high performing professionals use addiction recovery to transform past substance into a success story. Learn the strategies high achievers apply to fuel growth and solidify lasting sobriety.

04/21/2025

New Addiction Relapse Prevention Group Starting Soon!

The group will meet in person on Tuesday evenings at my Beverly Hills office. This unique group therapy in Los Angeles helps people recovering from addiction protect themselves from relapse so they can take back the meaningful, happy, and productive lives they deserve!

A unique group therapy in Los Angeles helping people struggling with addiction protect themselves from relapse so they can take back the meaningful, happy, and productive lives they deserve!

03/18/2025

Excited to be interviewed by USA Today's Charlie Trepany about the psychological issues related to abuse, trauma, and the cognitive biases we have against discussing those difficult issues! Relationship Therapist Philip Lewis in The News

A woman allegedly held her stepson captive for over 20 years. A community is left shocked and confused as to how to no one noticed.

01/15/2025

I’m a big fan of Maple Counseling. I did my 2 year practicum there.

In the wake of the devastating fires, we want you to know you're not alone. To support those affected, we are offering:

•6 FREE therapy sessions
•Free assessment within 48 hours
•Guidance with resources and insurance navigation

Our team is here to provide a safe space for healing, whether you need short-term support or referrals for ongoing care.

If you or anyone you know needs mental health guidance, please call us at (310) 271-9999.

We are here for you, every step of the way.

01/14/2025

Here is a link to a round up of mental health resources available at low or no cost for First Responders and others impacted by the LA wildfires. Stay safe everyone!

Collection of mental health resources for therapists and other clinicians treating people impacted by LA Wildfires

12/20/2024

Thanks to USA Today’s Charles Trepany for inviting me to chime in on an important conversation about s*x and trauma.

This OnlyFans model went viral for a documentary about her attempt to sleep with 100 men in a day. It's sparked a massive conversation about s*x.

12/17/2024

Is Your Secret Santa a Narcissist?

Observing how your partner approaches gift-giving can provide valuable insight into the strength or weakness of your relationship.