Tara Gogolinski, couples therapist in Raleigh, NC, smiling while taking notes at a wooden desk with plants, books, a closed laptop, and a notebook, reflecting her warm, insightful approach to therapy.
A blue and gray watercolor splash with soft, blended edges, adding a calm, reflective visual to the Rising Tides Therapy Center blog in Raleigh, NC.

Ebb and Flow Blog

Thoughtful reflections to support clarity, understanding, and deeper connection.

This space is where I offer reflections on what I notice in the therapy room: the patterns, emotions, and turning points that shape how couples grow and reconnect. Some posts are here to educate; others pull back the curtain a bit, offering a glimpse into how I think as a systems‑trained therapist and what I pay attention to in the work.

My hope is that these reflections help you feel more grounded, more understood, and more equipped to navigate the moments that matter most in your relationship. Whether you’re here to learn, to feel less alone, or to get a sense of what working together might be like, I’m glad you’re here.

Relationship Patterns & Dynamics Tara Gogolinski, LMFT Relationship Patterns & Dynamics Tara Gogolinski, LMFT

The Gifts and Challenges of Cross Cultural Marriages: Perspective From a Couples Therapist

Cross‑cultural marriages offer extraordinary richness, but they also come with unique challenges that many couples don’t anticipate. In this guest post, therapist Linda Sanderville, LCSW, RYT‑200, explores how cultural backgrounds shape communication, family expectations, and daily partnership dynamics — and shares compassionate, practical guidance for couples building a relationship that honors both identities.

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