Oliver Drakeford LMFT, CGP

Communication blocks in relationships  are the habits most couples never realize they've developed, quietly dismantling connection long before anyone thinks to call a therapist. What Are Communication Blocks in Relationships? Most couples who walk into my West Hollywood therapy room for couples therapy don't lack love. They lack the ability to give each other the experience of being truly understood. A communication block is anything that interrupts that experience. And most of them don't...

West Hollywood is home to one of the highest concentrations of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health providers in Los Angeles County. LGBTQ+ friendly therapy means working with a therapist who is trained in queer identity development, minority stress, and the relational, emotional, and cultural challenges facing LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. This approach goes beyond tolerance or neutrality—it actively affirms your identity, centers your lived experience, and removes the burden of having to...

Think about the last time you did something really big for your partner. Maybe it was a surprise vacation, an anniversary dinner at their favorite restaurant, or flowers for no reason. Now think about an average Tuesday evening. You're doing the dishes after dinner. Did you look up when your partner walked into the room? Did you respond when they made a comment about the food? Did you put your phone down when they started talking? Here's what I've learned after a decade of working with...