Keya Wiggins, Ph.D. Psychological Services

04/09/2026

In Gottman’s research, relationships are strengthened through what he calls “bids for connection.” A bid is any small attempt to reach for attention, affection, or emotional engagement from a partner.

Examples might include:

• sharing something interesting from your day
• asking a simple question
• making a joke
• expressing a small frustration
• asking for help with something

These moments may seem small, but they play a powerful role in maintaining connection.

When partners turn toward these bids by responding with interest or engagement, it builds emotional trust over time. When bids are consistently ignored or dismissed, partners may begin to feel unseen or disconnected.

Healthy relationships are often built through these small, everyday moments of responsiveness and attention.

04/02/2026

Every couple experiences conflict.

What often distinguishes healthier relationships is not the absence of disagreement, but the ability to repair after difficult moments.

In Gottman’s research, partners frequently make what are called repair attempts during conflict. These are small efforts to reduce tension and reconnect during an argument.

Examples might include:
• using humor to lighten the mood
• acknowledging a partner’s perspective
• saying something like “Let me try that again”
• expressing appreciation in the middle of a disagreement

When couples are able to recognize and accept these repair attempts, conversations are much more likely to return to a calmer and more productive place.

Learning to recognize and respond to these small moments can make a significant difference in how conflict unfolds within a relationship.

03/26/2026

Many couples come to therapy believing they are arguing about different things each time. In reality, most couples are having the same argument over and over again, just in different forms.

Research from the Gottman Institute shows that many relationship conflicts are actually perpetual problems. They are rooted in differences in personality, values, or life priorities.

The goal of a healthy relationship is not to eliminate all conflict. The goal is to learn how to talk about these differences in a way that protects the relationship instead of damaging it.

Marriage therapy can help couples:
• understand the deeper meaning behind recurring conflicts
• communicate without criticism or defensiveness
• develop more respectful ways of navigating disagreements

Over time, many couples find that the conversations that once felt impossible become much more manageable.

03/23/2026

These small moments can make a bigger difference than we often expect.

03/16/2026

Over the years, many people have found my practice through referrals and word of mouth. Recently, I realized it has been a while since I shared here that I am accepting new clients.

I am a licensed psychologist in Pensacola and a Certified Gottman Therapist, and much of my work focuses on helping individuals and couples understand the patterns that shape their relationships.

Many people come to therapy feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or caught in the same conflicts over and over again. My goal is to create a thoughtful and structured space where we can slow things down, build insight, and develop practical tools for change.

I currently have a few openings available for individuals and couples.

You can learn more about my practice here:
www.drkeyawiggins.com

08/20/2024

The Psychology Department at the University of West Florida is hiring an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice. Come join our team!

04/16/2022

I’m so proud to have been included in this year’s Inweekly Power List!

Read Inweekly April 14 2022 Issue by Inweekly on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!

02/22/2022

Excited to be a recipient of this award!

2022 Trailblazer Awards: In honor of Black History Month, Epps Christian Center, in partnership with the University of West Florida, presents the Trailblazer Awards to honor the heroes of Pensacola who have blazed trails and made a lasting impact on our community. The live event will take place on the UWF Office of Equity and Diversity's page, https://www.facebook.com/uwfdiversity/, on Wednesday, February, 23 at 11:00 am.

06/29/2020

I'm back! Join me for a Facebook Live Interview with Steps to the Future, LLC tonight at 6:00pm.

02/12/2019

Tell it like it is Tuesday: Do you think the world is out to get you? You might be right...

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01/15/2019

Tell it like it is Tuesday: Are you waiting on your partner or loved one to change?.. You're going to want to see this.