SAMANTHA LIBERMAN, PSY.D.

Why Dating Anxiety Is More Common Than You Think Dating can be exciting, hopeful, and meaningful. It can also be anxiety-provoking. As a clinical psychologist, one of the most common concerns I hear from patients navigating the dating world is a fear of being fully seen. Many describe feeling self-conscious about certain aspects of themselves—their quirks, interests, appearance, social skills, or life circumstances. Others tell me they intentionally hold parts of themselves b

One of the most common themes I hear in therapy is the quiet pain of feeling left behind. It often sounds something like this: "All of my friends are married." "Everyone I know has kids." "I'm the only one who isn't there yet." While these statements may seem simple on the surface, they often carry a much deeper emotional weight. For many people, being the only person in their social circle who isn't married or raising children can trigger feelings of loneliness, self-doubt,

One of the most common phrases I hear from patients these days is, "I'm so over dating apps." Usually, this statement is accompanied by a deep sigh, a look of frustration, and a sense of exhaustion that has been building for months or even years. Many people begin dating with optimism and hope, only to find themselves feeling discouraged, burnt out, and questioning whether it's even worth continuing. As a clinical psychologist, I've noticed that dating has become a significan

Los Angeles is often portrayed as a city full of opportunity, excitement, and endless possibilities. With millions of people, beautiful weather, and a vibrant social scene, it might seem like finding a meaningful relationship should be easy. Yet many of the individuals I work with in therapy describe dating in Los Angeles as surprisingly difficult to date in. The often discuss how frustrating, exhausting, and discouraging it can be. As a clinical psychologist, I frequently he

The journey of dating and forming relationships can be simultaneously exciting and stressful. While it is natural to experience some level of stress during this process, it is essential to prioritize your mental health and well-being. This blog post will explore strategies for managing stress in the dating process, with a focus on nurturing mental health and fostering healthy connections. Relationship/Dating stress refers to the emotional strain that arises during the dating