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The Pathway to Thriving
Growing into the Best Version of You
Welcome to the Live Oak Psychology blog — a resource for women in Austin, TX and beyond navigating postpartum depression, mom burnout, relationship patterns, and young adult life transitions. Articles are written by Dr. Emily Turinas, a PhD-level perinatal psychologist with specialized training through Postpartum Support International and personal lived experience with high-risk pregnancy and NICU recovery. Browse by category below, or book a free 15-minute consultation if something you read resonates.
Why Do I Feel Invisible? 7 Signs You've Learned to Disappear (And How to Be Seen Again)
Feeling invisible even when surrounded by people you love? A licensed psychologist explores the deep roots of emotional invisibility — why it starts in childhood, how it shapes your relationships, and what it means to finally be seen.
Am I Codependent or Just Caring? How to Tell the Difference
"Caring is when you help someone because you want to and you can. Codependency is when you help someone even when you don't want to and it's destroying you—because you believe your worth depends on it."
How Do I Know If I Have Anxious Attachment? Quiz + Signs + What Actually Helps
"Anxious attachment isn't about being 'needy' or 'clingy.' It's a nervous system response to perceived threats of abandonment—threats that feel real even when the relationship is actually stable."
Anxious Attachment vs Avoidant Attachment: Why You Keep Picking Each Other (And What to Do About It)
The intensity of this dynamic often feels like chemistry, like passion. But it's not chemistry. It's anxiety. It's two people triggering each other's attachment wounds over and over again.
Why Do I Keep Choosing Emotionally Unavailable Partners?
Real change happens when you understand not just WHAT happened in your past, but how it shaped the way you see yourself, the way you move through relationships, and what you're really seeking.
Never Dated at 30? Here’s Why It’s More Common (and Less Scary) Than You Think
If you've reached 30 without dating, there's usually a reason—not a flaw, but a protective pattern. Understanding that reason is what makes the difference between staying stuck and actually moving forward.
Addressing Family of Origin Dynamics through Individual Therapy: A Guide to Healing and Growth
you can't fully understand your current relationship patterns, your attachment style, or why you keep ending up in the same situations without understanding where those patterns came from.
10 Telltale Signs of Codependency: Recognizing and Overcoming Unhealthy Relationship Patterns
Codependency isn't about being too nice. It's about losing yourself in the act of taking care of others—and believing your worth depends on it.
What are the 5 Top Qualities of a Good Relationship?
Relationships can be tricky, sometimes when we are in them we cannot see the truth behind them. So how do we know if we have rose colored glasses on or our relationship really is as good as we think? As a psychologist who has helped people with all types of relationships, here are the top 5 qualities I have seen in good, healthy, and supportive relationships! Open Communication I am sure you have heard it before by communication is key! No relationship is perfect and overtime
How to Support a Loved One’s Birth Trauma: A Practical, Compassionate Guide
Supporting someone you love after birth trauma isn’t always intuitive. You might feel helpless, unsure of what to say, or afraid to do the wrong thing. But your role can be incredibly meaningful. With empathy, presence, and a few thoughtful actions, you can become a powerful part of their healing journey. Whether your loved one had an emergency C-section, a NICU stay, or felt emotionally dismissed during labor, the aftermath of birth trauma can linger—sometimes for weeks, mon
Is It Codependency or Love? How to Tell the Difference (And Why It Matters)
Love and codependency both involve deep care. But love includes yourself in that care. Codependency abandons you in service of the other person.
Were You the Family Scapegoat? How This Role Shapes Your Adult Relationships
The scapegoat role is assigned, not earned. You didn't become the problem child because you were actually problematic—you were labeled the problem because the family needed someone to blame.
9 Signs You're Repeating a Generational Pattern (And How Austin Women Are Actually Breaking It)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Emily Turinas, PhD, Licensed Psychologist — Last updated August 2026 You're in the middle of an argument with your partner, and somewhere around minute ten, a strange thing happens. You hear your mother's voice come out of your mouth. Not her words exactly, but her tone — the same clipped, guarded, "fine, whatever" energy you swore you'd never carry into your own relationship. Or maybe it's smaller than that. You feel a flash of guilt every time you
Unveiling Dysfunction: The 6 Roles in Dysfunctional Families
Understanding Dysfunction: Exploring the 6 Roles in Dysfunctional Families Families are the building blocks of our identities and emotional well-being. In healthy families, love, support, and communication flow freely, fostering growth and resilience. However, in dysfunctional families, patterns of behavior and communication can lead to lasting emotional wounds. Research has identified six key roles within dysfunctional families, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play
Navigating the Depths of Dysfunctional Family Dynamics: A Journey to Healing and Wholeness
Navigating the Depths of Dysfunctional Family Dynamics: A Journey to Healing and Wholeness Have you ever found yourself grappling with certain aspects of your relationships, struggling to navigate conflicts peacefully? It's a journey many of us embark on, often unaware that the roots of these difficulties lie deep within our family of origin and the dynamics that shaped our early experiences. In this heartfelt exploration, we delve into the delicate yet impactful terrain of d
Recognizing the 12 Signs of an Unsupportive Husband During Pregnancy (and learn how to Address the Issues)
Table of Contents Introduction Understanding the Importance of Spousal Support During Pregnancy 12 Signs of an Unsupportive Husband During Pregnancy The Impact of Lack of Support on Expectant Mothers Strategies for Addressing an Unsupportive Husband When to Seek Professional Help Conclusion FAQs About Unsupportive Husbands During Pregnancy Introduction Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with joy, anticipation, and challenges. While expectant mothers often turn to th
Breaking Down Barriers: Communication Tips to get our unmet needs met in a relationship
Effective communication builds trust, fosters understanding, and strengthens the bonds. How to get our unmet needs in a relationship.
Feeling Disconnected from Your Husband after the Baby Arrives? How to Strengthen Your Relationship Postpartum
Feeling disconnected from your husband after baby isn't about falling out of love. It's about two people going through vastly different experiences while trying to keep a tiny human alive. Connection doesn't happen automatically—it requires intentional effort in a season where you have nothing left to give.
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