Welcome to Between Us, a collection of real stories and reflections that inform our work as therapists.

Here, we explore the small human moments that teach us, the conversations that shape us, and the narratives that heal us.

It’s for all the feelers, thinkers, and seekers who believe healing is built in the moments we share.

Dr. Gina M. Innocente Dr. Gina M. Innocente

The Day My Daughter Taught Me About Consent

It was a typical weekday in our house. We were already running late for school (again) - my daughter was still half-dressed, her breakfast was somewhere between her mouth and the dogs, and I was chasing her, holding a hairbrush like it represented the last shred of hope we had of passing as a functioning family.

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Children And Mental Health Dr. Gina M. Innocente Children And Mental Health Dr. Gina M. Innocente

Social Anxiety: When “Just Shy” Isn’t the Whole Story

It’s completely normal for kids (and grown-ups, too) to feel nervous in new situations—meeting new people, starting school, or speaking up in class. But when those nerves turn into deep fear or lead to avoiding everyday activities, it might be more than just shyness. Your child could be struggling with social anxiety.

Understanding what social anxiety looks like - and how to support your child through it - can make all the difference.

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Adult Mental Health Dr. Gina M. Innocente Adult Mental Health Dr. Gina M. Innocente

Step Outside: How Nature Heals Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

In our fast-paced world of notifications, deadlines, and constant screen time, it’s easy to spend most of our lives indoors — breathing conditioned air, staring at blue-lit screens, and rushing from one obligation to the next. But somewhere in the middle of this overstimulated lifestyle, we’ve lost touch with one of the simplest and most powerful tools for better mental health: nature.

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Adult Mental Health Dr. Gina M. Innocente Adult Mental Health Dr. Gina M. Innocente

Is Your Ex Actually a Narcissist? Maybe. More Likely… He Just Thinks “Unavailable” is a Love Language.

Let's be honest. When a relationship ends, especially when it leaves you feeling raw, bewildered, or just plain wronged, there's a whisper that often turns into a shout: "They were a narcissist!" Suddenly, every baffling behavior, every selfish act, every moment that made you question your sanity gets neatly filed under "NPD." And while it’s incredibly tempting to embrace this shiny, validating label, let's take a dry, slightly sarcastic, and dare I say, deeply understanding look at why your ex might just be… your ex.

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Couples And Marriage Counseling Dr. Gina M. Innocente Couples And Marriage Counseling Dr. Gina M. Innocente

The "Delicious" Delusion Of An Affair

Let's be honest, the word "affair" often conjures images of clandestine meetings, forbidden passion, and a thrilling escape from the mundane. In the movies, it's all dramatic lighting and whispered confessions. In real life? Well, for a time, it can feel, dare I say, delicious. There's a heady cocktail of novelty, secrecy, and ego-boost that makes an affair seem like the ultimate indulgence. You're getting attention, feeling desired, perhaps even rediscovering a version of yourself you thought was lost to laundry lists and lukewarm dinners.

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Dr. Gina M. Innocente Dr. Gina M. Innocente

When Independence Becomes Isolation

In a world that glorifies independence and self-sufficiency, cutting people off has become a common practice. We tell ourselves that we are protecting our peace, setting boundaries, or refusing to tolerate toxicity. And sometimes, that’s true. But what happens when cutting people off becomes a pattern—when every relationship ends the same way, with distance instead of resolution? What does it say when you can’t sustain a romantic relationship? When you feel too overwhelmed to tolerate the feelings that go along with the tough stuff? Or the narrative is always the same when a relationship ends? Or when you find others keep walking away from you?

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