Family Psychology of South Bend

08/18/2026

We’re excited to welcome Alex Tarr, LSW, the newest clinician at Family Psychology of South Bend!

Alex works with couples whose relationships have grown painful or distant, as well as adults navigating anxiety and depression. Alex approaches therapy thoughtfully with a desire to help people and their relationships become whole.

Outside of the office, Alex loves to spend time at home with his wife and four children. He also enjoys reading books and olympic weightlifting.

We’re grateful to have Alex joining our team and serving individuals and couples across South Bend, Granger, and Mishawaka.

To schedule an appointment with Alex, visit our website or call us at 574-280-8199.

Alex Tarr, LSW is a Gottman-trained couples counselor in South Bend helping marriages heal and adults overcome anxiety and depression.

07/28/2026

Most of us believe we are good listeners.
Ironically, some of the habits that make us feel like we're being helpful can actually leave the other person feeling unheard.
We offer advice. We try to solve the problem. We share a similar experience we’ve had. We reassure. We explain why they shouldn't feel that way.
While these responses are often well-intentioned, they unintentionally become empathy blockers that shift the conversation away from the person who simply wants to feel understood.
Learning to recognize these habits can help you become a more thoughtful listener and create deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Read more here:

Learn how to be a better listener by recognizing empathy blockers and other barriers to effective listening. Then build deeper connection with your spouse through curiosity and empathy.

07/21/2026

Some arguments feel like spinning your tires in the mud.
The harder you push to get unstuck, the deeper you seem to sink.
Many couples find themselves caught in patterns of conflict where the same issues resurface again and again. As frustration grows, conversations can become increasingly critical, defensive, or emotionally overwhelming, leaving both partners feeling unheard and disconnected.
Learning to recognize these patterns can help couples pause the cycle and begin having conversations that lead to a stronger connection and deeper understanding of one another.
Read more here:
https://family-psychology.com/webzine_post/relationship-suffering-gridlocked-escalating-conflict/

07/14/2026

Have you ever noticed that the same personality trait can be both the thing you love most about your partner... and the thing that frustrates you the most?
Maybe they're incredibly organized. Sometimes that feels thoughtful and dependable. Other times it feels controlling.
Maybe they're spontaneous. Sometimes it feels fun and adventurous. Other times it feels impulsive.
Often, what changes isn't our partner. It’s the lens through which we see them.
We are excited to discuss this idea further at our next couples workshop - Conversations that Connect: How Perspective Shapes Love.
During this evening together, we'll explore how emotional connection influences the way we interpret each other's actions, why couples can experience the very same qualities so differently, and practical ways to cultivate a more positive perspective in our relationships.
Whether you're dating, engaged, or have been married for decades, we'd love to have you join us.
You can learn more and register here:

Marriage enrichment workshops in Michiana helping couples reconnect, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship through guided conversation.

07/07/2026

After discovering an affair, the betrayed spouse often finds themselves frequently looking for signs of dishonesty.
They may feel compelled to check their partner’s phone, question subtle changes in their routine, or become overwhelmed when their partner comes home later than expected. Even when both partners are committed to repairing the relationship, the feeling of anxiety still often resounds loudly throughout the relationship.
Understanding the anxiety that follows infidelity and how it affects both partners can help couples approach healing with greater patience, compassion, and clarity.
Read more here:
https://family-psychology.com/the-anxiety-after-an-affair/

06/30/2026

Welcoming a baby is one of life’s most meaningful transitions. It can also bring unexpected changes to a couple’s relationship.

Many new parents anticipate sleepless nights, new routines, and the demands of caring for a newborn. What often catches couples off guard is how easily connection, communication, and partnership can begin to feel strained during this season. Yet, these changes are not uncommon.

67% of couples experience a drop in marital satisfaction after welcoming their first child!

The transition to parenthood does not have to and cannot be navigated perfectly, but it can be approached with greater awareness and intentionality to prevent this drop in satisfaction.

Learn more about how a baby changes your relationship, why these changes are common, and how couples can continue caring for their connection as they care for their child:

https://family-psychology.com/the-transition-to-parenthood-how-a-baby-changes-your-relationship/

06/24/2026

Connection in a relationship often fades gradually over time.

Similarly, rebuilding closeness doesn’t often happen with one grand gesture. Instead, it starts with small intentional moments of connection.

In our latest blog, we share 15 thoughtful questions designed to help couples reconnect, deepen emotional intimacy, and create more meaningful conversations with one another.

Whether you’ve been together for a few years or a few decades, intentional conversation can help strengthen connection and understanding.

Read more here:
https://family-psychology.com/questions-for-couples-to-rebuild-connection/

06/21/2026

Last Chance to RSVP!

Conversations that Connect is an event designed for couples to slow down the pace of everyday life and intentionally connect with their partner.

On June 23rd, local expert and couples counselor Trey Duckett, will guide couples through a series of exercises to reconnect to the origins of their love story and discover practical ways to keep the spark of their relationship alive amidst the demands of everyday life.

If you’d like to claim your spot, you can learn more and register on our website:

https://family-psychology.com/conversations-that-connect/

06/09/2026

As parents, we want our children to feel confident, capable and valued.

We instinctively provide praise to our children with phrases like "Good Job." But true encouragement goes beyond evaluation, fostering a deeply internalized innate worth.

Learn the difference between praise and encouragement and how small shifts in the way we speak to our children can have a powerful impact on their developing sense of self.

Read more here:
https://family-psychology.com/encouragement-versus-praise-raising-confident-children/

06/02/2026

Worry often feels productive.

We act as if we think about something long enough or anticipate every possible outcome, we’ll somehow feel safer or more in control. But chronic worrying usually leaves us feeling exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from the present moment.

Life will always involve uncertainty. Relief often begins not by eliminating this uncertainty, but by learning how to tolerate it with greater trust, flexibility, and self-compassion.

Learn how chronic worry happens, how fear of uncertainty keeps anxiety going, and practical ways to stop living in constant anticipation of worst-case scenarios.

https://family-psychology.com/how-to-stop-worrying-and-accept-uncertainty/