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Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

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‘Shame rage’ and the Death of Love

January 16, 2009 By Dr. Katrina Wood

Statue of woman in pain

One of the more defining dynamics that can cause the Death of Love is what's called the shame-rage cycle. One partner shames the other by way of critical, abusive remarks and the other responds with defensive rage in an attempt to protect herself or himself from verbal or emotional assault. Once this point-counterpoint cycle begins, one or both partners are likely to resort to some kind of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: relationships Tagged With: couples, divorce

Do the right thing: Couples communication

October 17, 2008 By Dr. Katrina Wood

couple communicates

In disputes within a relationship, it is important that the couple sees, hears, and values each other's position equally. In the moment that one person's position becomes more important than the other's, a power game ensues. This dynamic is the enemy of intimacy and resolution. But when both parties value themselves highly enough, then power struggles can transform into tremendous growth … [Read more...]

Filed Under: communication, relationships

Don’ts that don’t make relationships work

October 10, 2008 By Dr. Katrina Wood

language barriers

Relationships these days are ending all too soon, with one in two marriages collapsing into divorce. Fewer people are getting married, and the lives of so many beautiful, wonderful individuals are filled with heartache and sorrow. Communication is the key to a successful relationship, we're all told. But how do we communicate at stressful times, without making a tense situation worse? Here … [Read more...]

Filed Under: communication, relationships Tagged With: validating feelings

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New video interview

In January 2025, Rachael Lassoff of Meddkit, above, interviewed Dr. Katrina Wood for her "Provider Spotlight" series. They discussed trauma, healing and the power of communication. Listen in.

Business consulting

Dr. Katrina Wood offers business consulting services with a focus on assisting entrepreneurs with startup mental health group practices. General consulting and coaching in the workplace for optimum performance. Learn more.

About Dr. Katrina Wood

Southern California psychotherapistKatrina Wood is an author, lecturer and certified life coach focusing on psychotherapy and emotional healing. She lives in Los Angeles, where she runs the Wilshire/Valley psychotherapy center. ( More )

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Couples intensive therapy

Wilshire/Valley Therapy Center's make-or-break sessions help couples get back on the love track … or enable them to move on. Katrina Wood, Ph.D., has developed these sessions and their content. Learn about the Couples Connect sessions.

Dr. Wood’s ‘Faerie’ tale

Children’s fantasy adventure : Katrina Wood’s “The Night of the Faerie Rade” is now available at Amazon. A wonderful gift for kids ages 6-10.

Dr. Wood at LACPA

View Katrina Wood's talk on suicide prevention at the L.A. County Psychological Association convention.

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Help with the holidays

Inner child exercises

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My mental health centers

Wilshire/Valley Therapy Center & Management Services 

> Locations in Southern California
> Our therapeutic specialties

Topics: Mental health

About depression
Therapy: Getting help
Panic attacks
Co-parenting
Anxiety and GAD
Sexual abuse
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Disclaimer

This blog discusses psychotherapy issues in a general way. Readers should address pressing concerns via their personal-growth support system. Some problems covered here are best handled directly by mental health providers.

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