Communication Tools — Blog — Dr. Amy E. Keller, PsyD, MFT

Dr. Amy E. Keller is a Doctor of Psychology in Psychoanalysis and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Pasadena, California and is the author of Get Real, Get Going: The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of your Dreams.

All in Communication Tools

My Love Language is the Gottmans

Apr 13

Apr 13 My Love Language is the Gottmans

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Dr. Amy Recommends, Relationships

It’s no secret that Dr. Amy is a huge fan of the Gottman’s and their work with relationships. In this blog post, she recommends some free resources to help you tap into the Gottman’s teachings in order to help you improve your own relationships.

Celebrate Your Friendships!

Feb 9

Feb 9 Celebrate Your Friendships!

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Dr. Amy Recommends, Communication Tools, Relationships, Wellness

Friendships are more important than we realize, they boost your happiness and ease your stress. Just like in a romantic relationship, friendships flourish when you nurture them, read on to discover Dr. Amy’s tips for celebrating your friends.

Exploring Conflict Resolution using the Gottman's Blueprint

Dec 18

Dec 18 Exploring Conflict Resolution using the Gottman's Blueprint

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Relationship Success

The Gottmans have discovered that nearly 1/3 of all conflicts can be resolved with the right approach. Read on to see Dr. Amy’s take on the right approach and tips on how to best proceed.

Don’t Let Holiday Stress Ruin Your Relationships

Nov 20

Nov 20 Don’t Let Holiday Stress Ruin Your Relationships

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Life Coaching, Personal Growth, Relationship Success

The pressure of the holidays and extra time spent with loved ones can really show us where we need to do work to keep relationships strong.

"You like me! You really like me!": Overcoming the need for approval

Nov 13

Nov 13 "You like me! You really like me!": Overcoming the need for approval

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Life Coaching, Personal Growth, Relationship Success, Self-Care, Trauma to Transformation

We all need to be loved and feel accepted but these feelings can become overwhelming and can affect a person’s ability to function in a healthy way.

Happy Marriage Hint: Talk Daily

Mar 4

Mar 4 Happy Marriage Hint: Talk Daily

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Relationship Success

In this special Vlog, Dr. Amy talks about one of her secrets for making marriage work: Talk Daily with Your Partner.

Let’s Talk About Sex: A few common myths about everyone’s favorite topic

Feb 25

Feb 25 Let’s Talk About Sex: A few common myths about everyone’s favorite topic

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Relationship Success

I’m always surprised at how often clients struggle with some aspect of their sexual relationship that is based on hearsay or pop-culture misconceptions.

Valentine's Day PTSD: How to recover from unmet expectations, or what do I do with a f@*king ferret?

Feb 18

Feb 18 Valentine's Day PTSD: How to recover from unmet expectations, or what do I do with a f@*king ferret?

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Emotional Healing, Relationship Success

Women often complain that they would love some originality for Valentine’s day, and, maybe that’s what you got. Dr. Amy explains how to deal with Valentine’s Day PTSD.

Why Valentine's Day is THE WORST and how to make it better.

Feb 11

Feb 11 Why Valentine's Day is THE WORST and how to make it better.

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Relationship Success, Personal Growth

Valentine’s Day UGH. Feeling the pressure to have the BEST VALENTINE’S DAY EVER? Try spreading the love year round - your partner and your relationship will thank you.

Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Spouse!

Jan 28

Jan 28 Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Spouse!

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Relationship Success

The number one most important thing you must do is to spend quality time together.

Don’t Let Holiday Stress Ruin Your Relationships!

Nov 29

Nov 29 Don’t Let Holiday Stress Ruin Your Relationships!

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Personal Growth, Relationship Success

The pressure of the holidays and extra time spent with loved ones can really show us where we need to do work to keep relationships strong.

Drive Me Crazy: Dr. Amy's Guide to Everyone's Favorite Dysfunctional Movie Couples

Nov 21

Nov 21 Drive Me Crazy: Dr. Amy's Guide to Everyone's Favorite Dysfunctional Movie Couples

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Dr. Amy's Picks, Communication Tools, Relationship Success

These movies are always a good place to go when you need to feel better about your relationship. Or, if you’re single, it’s a nice reminder that things could always be worse. Haha!

Infidelity: Mending your Marriage After an Affair

Jun 13

Jun 13 Infidelity: Mending your Marriage After an Affair

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Emotional Healing, Mid-Life Crisis, Relationship Success, Trauma to Transformation

Infidelity causes intense emotional pain — anger, disbelief, fear, guilt, shame. But an affair doesn't have to mean the end of your marriage. Understand how a marriage can be rebuilt after an affair.

The Art of Listening: A Simple Misunderstanding

May 30

May 30 The Art of Listening: A Simple Misunderstanding

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Personal Growth, Relationship Success

If no one is listening, a simple misunderstanding can snowball into much more.

FORGIVENESS: How to Let Go of Grudges and Bitterness

May 16

May 16 FORGIVENESS: How to Let Go of Grudges and Bitterness

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, Self-Care

Forgiveness of yourself or someone else, though not easy, can transform your life. Instead of dwelling on the injustice and revenge, instead of being angry and bitter, you can move toward a life of peace, compassion, mercy, joy and kindness.

HAVE TO vs. GET TO: How the Language We Use Effects Us

May 9

May 9 HAVE TO vs. GET TO: How the Language We Use Effects Us

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Life Coaching, Personal Growth, Self-Care

HAVE-TO vs GET-TO: The choice of words you pick to describe a task or event, colors the way you do it, the success you have with it, and the pleasure you derive from it.

8 Marriage Busters to Give Up Today

May 2

May 2 8 Marriage Busters to Give Up Today

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Relationship Success

Dr. Amy offers advice on how to keep a relationship fulfilling and healthy in the face of challenges. Here she discusses eight pitfalls to avoid during marital conflicts.

Tools for Relationships: Handling the Need for Approval

Apr 25

Apr 25 Tools for Relationships: Handling the Need for Approval

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, Trauma to Transformation

Dr. Amy examines where the need for approval comes from, how it can affect your relationships, and how to overcome it.

Being assertive: Reduce Stress and Communicate Better

Apr 18

Apr 18 Being assertive: Reduce Stress and Communicate Better

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Communication Tools, Personal Growth, Relationship Success, Trauma to Transformation

Assertiveness can help control stress and anger and improve coping skills for mental illnesses. Learn assertive behavior with these steps.

Dr. Amy's Picks: Books To Help You Find Love and Keep It

Apr 5

Apr 5 Dr. Amy's Picks: Books To Help You Find Love and Keep It

Dr. Amy E. Keller

Dr. Amy's Picks, Communication Tools, Relationship Success

Looking for love? Or, are just looking for new ways to improve your relationship? Try these books, they're full of great advice and the perfect compliment to counseling.