Sheila Khaleghian, Psy.D.

08/27/2025

07/01/2025

💔 Feeling “off” in your relationship but can’t quite name it?

Psychologist Dr. Mark Travers says unhappy couples often say “no” to these 4 powerful questions—and don’t even realize they’re drifting apart:

1️⃣ Do you feel like you’re on the same team during conflict?

2️⃣ Can you be your most authentic self around your partner?

3️⃣ Are they genuinely curious about your inner world?

4️⃣ Do they take accountability when they mess up?

If your answer is “no” to any of these, it may be time for a deeper conversation. Sometimes we get so used to dysfunction, we mistake it for normal.

🧠 Awareness is the first step to reconnection—or clarity.

📍Save this to reflect or share with someone you care about.

05/23/2025

It’s not about the dishes. It’s about how we show up in relationships.

Psychologists have narrowed our endlessly complex personalities into five main traits, known as the Big Five (OCEAN):
• Openness
• Conscientiousness
• Extraversion
• Agreeableness
• Neuroticism

Each of us shows up differently in life and relationships based on where we land on these spectrums. But regardless of personality, there’s one emotional intelligence habit that changes everything: The Dishwasher Rule.

It’s simple:
When someone makes an effort—thank them before you critique them.

Instead of pointing out that your partner loaded the dishwasher “wrong,” say, “Thank you for doing the dishes.”

In that moment, you’re not just acknowledging a chore—you’re affirming someone’s effort, presence, and intention.

The rule applies far beyond kitchens:
• In relationships, it builds emotional safety and intimacy.
• In friendships, it prevents distance caused by unspoken disappointment.
• In workplaces, it builds trust, morale, and motivation.
• In families, it models respect and emotional attunement.

People don’t need you to be perfect. They need to feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

So the next time someone helps—even imperfectly—pause.

Say thank you. Then, if it truly matters, talk about how the bowls should face.

Appreciation before correction. Effort before outcome. That’s emotional intelligence.
And that’s how strong relationships are built.

05/18/2025

Burnout is real — even when you “look” successful.

After pushing herself to be a top performer at Amazon, Jenn Cho hit a wall. It took a 12-week mental health leave to realize that success isn’t worth it if it costs your well-being. She shifted her focus to setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and finding identity outside of work.

Wellness Tips Inspired by Jenn’s Journey:

• Success is meaningless without your health.

• Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.

• Move your body—make fitness part of your routine.

• Reconnect with hobbies that bring you joy.

• You don’t need to “do it all” to be enough.

Sometimes stepping back is how you move forward. What’s one boundary you’re setting this week?



https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzTqSaRJ-3/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

04/20/2025

04/09/2025

Why Do People Really Get Married?

According to a survey by Forbes Advisor of divorced individuals, love wasn’t the top reason they got married.

Here’s what they said:

• 42% married for financial security
• 39% for companionship
• 36% for love
• Other reasons included: commitment, starting a family, convenience, insurance, and even legal or societal pressure.

What’s interesting? Psychologist Mark Travers (via Forbes) notes that financial strain is one of the biggest reasons relationships fall apart. He also points out that couples who sacrifice their personal needs too often may create silent resentment—leading to deeper disconnection over time.

So while security and companionship are valid, these motivations alone might not be enough to sustain a relationship.

Love is important—but it’s not always the driving force.

Let this be a reminder to ask yourself: Why are we really doing this?

The answer matters.

04/01/2025

Burnout builds up over time and can show early signs like constant fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and lack of motivation. It may also lead to sleep disturbances, muscle pain, and emotional detachment.

If left unchecked, burnout can negatively affect your relationships, leading to increased tension, withdrawal from loved ones, and emotional unavailability.

Prevent burnout by prioritizing rest, setting boundaries, managing stress, and staying connected with others. Taking breaks and practicing self-care can help prevent it from taking a toll on your well-being and relationships.

For further reading, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology highlights how burnout can lead to interpersonal strain and reduced relationship satisfaction (Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P., 2016).

03/12/2025

This quote is a powerful reminder that achieving your goals—both personally and professionally—is not about luck or shortcuts, but about the mindset you cultivate, the focus you maintain, and the consistency of your actions.

Mindset is the foundation. If you believe in your ability to grow, adapt, and succeed, you create the mental space for possibilities. A strong mindset pushes you through challenges and setbacks, allowing you to see obstacles as opportunities rather than roadblocks.

Focus is your guide. With so many distractions in life, staying focused on your vision ensures that your energy is directed toward what truly matters. It means setting clear goals, making strategic decisions, and not letting temporary difficulties derail you.

Consistency is the action that builds the bridge. Success doesn’t come from occasional bursts of effort but from showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Small, consistent steps lead to massive transformations over time.

Where you are today is just a starting point. By committing to a mindset of growth, sharpening your focus, and taking consistent action, you can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to the life you envision. Stay committed, keep pushing, and trust the process—your future self will thank you.

03/05/2025

Whether you’re just starting to date or have been together for years, play is one of the most underrated yet essential elements of a thriving relationship. ⁠

As teaches, playfulness isn’t just about fun—it fosters curiosity, deepens intimacy, and keeps desire alive. It allows us to explore, take risks, and create shared moments of joy. ⁠

In the early stages of dating, play helps build connection without pressure. In long-term relationships, it keeps things fresh, reminding us that love isn’t just about responsibility—it’s also about adventure. ⁠

Flirt. Tease. Be spontaneous. Bring humor into your everyday interactions. When we play, we invite excitement back into our relationships—because love should feel alive.

03/01/2025

Even in the darkest times, light will always find its way through. Take it one day at a time and trust the journey.

02/25/2025

Green flags in a relationship aren’t just “nice-to-haves” – they’re powerful indicators of a healthy, thriving connection. As a couples therapist, I love seeing these signs flourish in relationships. Here are a few green flags to celebrate…

02/22/2025

Reminder: Conflict isn’t always a bad thing—it’s an opportunity for growth, deeper understanding, and stronger connections.