AboutKathleen Nickerson, PhD Expertise Do you feel like your partner is pulling away or pushing you away? Feel invisible, unappreciated, unloved, and neglected? It doesn't have to be this way and I'd love to help you. As an expert in working with couples who want to strengthen and repair their relationships, I've worked with many people who feel just the way you do. I understand how painful and hurtful these situations can be; it would be my honor to assist you. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with special training in couples counseling.
Experience I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in helping couples strengthen and repair their relationships. I love what I do because I love love - I am eternally optimistic about relationships and believe that any marriage can be made better.
Organizations American Psychological Association
Orange County Psychological Association
University of California IRB
Orange County Mental Health Board
Founder, Mental Health Advisory Board, OH, Inc.
Publications I love to share my knowledge with others and in recent years, I have had the privilege of speaking at more than 150 local and national conferences and training programs. I have also been a featured guest on numerous local radio and television programs. In addition to speaking, I enjoy writing and have written over 75 professional publications. My first book, Speaking Up: How to Get Help for Children Living in Abusive Homes, is used as a textbook for teachers and provides a comprehensive overview of child abuse reporting. I collaborated with colleagues to write Save the Date, a curriculum for the United States Department of Justice for teens on developing healthy dating relationships. I am currently at work on two new books to be released later this year: It's All In Your Head: Secrets To Staying Happy and Healthy & Divorcing Your Inner Fat Girl: The Smart Woman's Guide To Emotional Health After Weight Loss.
Education/Credentials PhD - Clinical Psychology, Capella University
MA - Developmental Psychology, Capella University
B - Chemistry, University of California, Irvine
Awards and Honors Please see my website for a complete bio: www.drkathynickerson.com
Question Hi. I've been dating my boyfriend for almost 2 years. He's never treated me the best, he acts like him always the reason we fight and he does anything wrong, and acts like him nothing to him. but when we are together and getting along, its great and were so in love and happy. but lately hes left me for his friends. he says he'll call me the next day then doesn't call until late and he only calls me as if he's checking in, not to talk. He doesn't seem to have any interest of being with me, he stopped saying he loves me on the phone when we do talk for a minute at night. I don't know what going on and i really don't know what to do please help me.
Answer Hi Victoria. Thanks so much for your question, I am sorry this is such a painful time for you.
I don't know what's going on with your boyfriend right now and why he might be pulling away, but it definitely sounds like he is. When you have talked with him about why he's not calling and why you guys aren't spending as much time together, what does he say?
If you haven't talked to him about this yet, you might say, "John, lately I've noticed that we're not talking as much and I really miss you. How have you been feeling about things lately?" Then you can take it from there....
Best case scenario is that he'll tell you he's been busy, he's been working, he's had a lot on his mind and he'll work with you to fix things.
It might also be possible that he's distancing himself because he's unsure about the relationship.
You really want to know which way he's leaning and I think it's ok to be honest and ask about this.
I hope this helps, please let me know how it goes.
