Bella Ouaknine, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

10/10/2025

Trust isn’t something you find - it’s something you build.
These 5 pillars show what it really takes to create unbreakable trust in a relationship that lasts.
It’s not about perfection - it’s about honesty, consistency, empathy, and repair.
When your words, actions, and intentions align, safety and connection naturally grow.
💬 Which pillar do you think matters most for you right now?

10/03/2025

Feelings are important, but behaviors are what create safety, trust, and connection. 💙
Pay attention to the actions that match the words.

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08/30/2025

Accountability isn’t optional in relationships, it’s the fuel for growth, trust, and healing.
It’s not about taking all the blame, but about dropping defensiveness and reflecting: What can I do differently here? That mindset shift is what turns conflict into deeper connection.

Even if accountability feels threatening or like criticism, it’s really an invitation- to repair, to be seen, and to build emotional safety.
When each person claims their part, the relationship doesn’t just survive; it evolves. That’s accountability in action.

08/29/2025

So many people fall into the trap of trying to manage their partner’s emotions- fixing moods, predicting feelings, or carrying the weight of reactions. But here’s the truth:
It’s not your job to manage someone else’s inner world.

Healthy relationships are built when:

✔️ Each person takes responsibility for their own feelings
✔️ Partners communicate directly instead of expecting mind-reading
✔️ Boundaries are respected, not blurred

Letting your partner have their own emotional experience doesn’t mean you don’t care- it means you trust them, and you respect yourself enough to hold your own boundaries.
Boundaries are not distance, they are clarity.

Bella Ouaknine, LMFT, guides couples, individuals, and families to overcome obstacles through

08/29/2025

Strong couples don’t wait until things boil over.
A simple weekly check-in can keep your relationship healthy, connected, and resilient.
It’s not about being perfect- it’s about staying intentional.

08/28/2025

Over time, couples stop being “new” to each other- but that doesn’t mean the spark has to fade.
Newness can be created when you choose to explore, learn, and grow together.
It’s the small moments of shared discovery that keep love thriving.

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08/27/2025

✨ The words we choose matter. Small shifts in language can turn conflict into connection and help your partner feel truly heard. 💬❤️

Try saying these instead- you’ll be surprised how quickly the energy changes.

Which phrase will you practice first? 👇

08/27/2025

True connection isn’t built on perfection- it’s built on openness💙.
When you share your feelings without defensiveness, you invite your partner into your inner world. And when you listen with curiosity instead of judgment, you create safety for them to do the same.
That’s the real strength of a relationship: courage + compassion. ✨

08/26/2025

So many people fall into the trap of trying to manage their partner’s emotions- fixing moods, predicting feelings, or carrying the weight of reactions. But here’s the truth:
It’s not your job to manage someone else’s inner world.Healthy relationships are built when:
✔️ Each person takes responsibility for their own feelings
✔️ Partners communicate directly instead of expecting mind-reading
✔️ Boundaries are respected, not blurred
Letting your partner have their own emotional experience doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you trust them, and you respect yourself enough to hold your own boundaries.
Boundaries are not distance, they are clarity.

08/26/2025

So many people fall into the trap of trying to manage their partner’s emotions, fixing moods, predicting feelings, or carrying the weight of reactions. But here’s the truth:
It’s not your job to manage someone else’s inner world.
Healthy relationships are built when:
✔️ Each person takes responsibility for their own feelings
✔️ Partners communicate directly instead of expecting mind-reading
✔️ Boundaries are respected, not blurred
Letting your partner have their own emotional experience doesn’t mean you don’t care, it means you trust them, and you respect yourself enough to hold your own boundaries.
Boundaries are not distance, they are clarity.

08/25/2025

Relationships don’t thrive because they’re effortless, they thrive because two people choose to show up, even when it’s hard 💙 .
Struggle doesn’t mean failure, it means you’re building something real, brick by brick.

Get expert therapy for individuals, couples, & families. Contact Bella Ouaknine for a consultation today!

08/23/2025

One of the biggest red flags in relationships is when your feelings are dismissed or minimized.

Being told you’re “too sensitive” or “overreacting” doesn’t just sting- it teaches you that your emotions don’t matter.

In a healthy relationship, your feelings are heard and respected, even when your partner doesn’t fully agree.

Respect isn’t about always seeing eye-to-eye, it’s about valuing each other’s inner world.