When couples reach out to me for therapy, they often say something like, “We just need help communicating.”But communication isn’t usually the root issue. It’s the symptom. Underneath the fights about dishes, schedules, or who’s “always” doing what, there’s usually something much deeper: a longing to feel safe, understood, and connected—but not knowing how to get there.

A mental health diagnosis can bring clarity—or confusion. For some, it’s a relief to have a name for their experience. For others, it can feel limiting or even stigmatizing. In truth, diagnosis is a clinical tool: helpful in certain contexts, but never the full story. Let’s explore what diagnosis can offer—and where it falls short.