Therapy Blog | Chicago, IL

Explore blog posts directly from the team at Hollie Therapy and Counseling in Chicago, IL.

Five Signs Your Relationship May Benefit from Couples Therapy

Dr. Brandon Hollie05/10/2026

Wondering if you need couples therapy? Learn five signs your relationship may benefit from professional support and guidance.

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What to Expect in Your First Couples Therapy Session

Dr. Brandon Hollie03/15/2026

Starting couples therapy can feel intimidating. Learn what to expect in your first session and how therapy helps couples reconnect.

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When Success Creates Distance in High-Achieving Relationships

Dr. Brandon Hollie03/05/2026

Career success can strain relationships. Learn why high-achieving couples experience distance and how to protect connection.

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The Strong Black Woman Narrative and How It Can Impact Intimacy in Relationships

Dr. Brandon Hollie02/23/2026

The Strong Black Woman role can shape how partners give and receive love. Learn how it affects vulnerability, support, and emotional connection.

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The Pressure to Be Strong and Its Impact on Black Men in Relationships

Dr. Brandon Hollie02/07/2026

The pressure to be strong affects how Black men show up in relationships. Learn how it impacts communication, intimacy, and connection.

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Love, Culture, and Communication: How Background Shapes Relationships

Dr. Brandon Hollie01/24/2026

Culture shapes how couples communicate, manage conflict, and show love. Learn how understanding background can strengthen connection.

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How Parenting Stress Impacts Relationships and What Couples Can Do About It

Dr. Brandon Hollie01/13/2026

Parenting stress can weaken connection and communication. Learn how it affects relationships and how couples can support each other through it.

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Emotional Safety in Relationships: The Foundation Most Couples Overlook

Dr. Brandon Hollie12/31/2025

Emotional safety is the foundation of healthy relationships. Learn why it matters, how it breaks down, and how couples can rebuild it.

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The Silent Breakup: How Emotional Distance Slowly Erodes Relationships

Dr. Brandon Hollie12/22/2025

Emotional distance can quietly damage relationships. Learn the signs of a silent breakup and how couples can rebuild connection before it’s too late.

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Why Relationship Struggles Are Common Even Among Good, Loving Couples

Dr. Brandon Hollie12/17/2025

Good people still struggle in relationships. Learn how stress, past experiences, and unspoken expectations impact connection and communication.

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How to Repair After an Argument: A Step-by-Step Guide for Couples

12/04/2025

A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument. Learn how to rebuild trust, reconnect emotionally, and strengthen communication as a couple.

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Understanding the Cycle of Conflict: Why You Keep Fighting About the Same Issues

11/23/2025

Explore the reasons couples often find themselves in repetitive arguments, insights from our team, and how Hollie Therapy and Counseling can help.

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Understanding What Men Appreciate Most in Their Relationships: A Guide

Dr. Brandon Hollie11/23/2025

Explore the essential elements that men value in relationships, ranging from emotional support to communication and mutual respect.

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Reality Check: You Don't Have to be Perfect to be a Good Partner 

10/19/2025

You don’t need to be perfect to be loved. This post explores how shame, trauma, and repair show up in Black relationships—and how to heal.

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Setting Boundaries in Love: Why Saying “No” Can Save Your Relationship

10/01/2025

Boundaries protect love, not block it. Learn how Black and Brown couples can set limits that build respect, safety, and thriving connection.

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When Love Feels Heavy: How to Tell If It’s Stress or Something Deeper

Dr. Brandon Hollie09/15/2025

Is your relationship heavy from stress or something deeper? Learn how Black and Brown couples can tell the difference and heal.

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Recognizing Emotional Abuse: Signs Your Relationship May Be Hurting

Dr. Brandon Hollie08/26/2025

Emotional abuse leaves scars. Learn the signs, break cycles of silence, and build healthier love in Black and Brown relationships.

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Healing from a Toxic Relationship Before Starting a New One

Dr. Brandon Hollie08/24/2025

Break cycles of toxic love. Steps for Black and Brown couples to heal, rebuild, and prepare for lasting relationships.

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Attachment Styles in Love: How They Shape Your Relationship

Dr. Brandon Hollie08/17/2025

Learn how attachment styles impact love and trust, and how Black and Brown couples can build secure, lasting relationships.

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How to Talk About Money Without a Fight: 5 Tips for Couples

08/12/2025

Learn how to have healthy, conflict-free money conversations with your partner. 5 therapist-backed tips to build trust and teamwork.

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