As we walk forth into the new year, resolutions are made and hopes fill our minds for a better year ahead. Is your marriage one of those areas that you’re hoping to see improve this year? If not, it should be! Relationships are work, and not in the this-is-such-a-burden way, but in the this-is-worth-it kind […]
If you like research as much as I do, then you will love this TED talk that shows that across 75 years of study, that relationships are the key to health and happiness! This was shown across demographics, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, and education. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I love hearing […]
Is displaced anger negatively impacting your relationships? This term describes anger that may be fueled by other stressors, but is expressed towards a specific target. Though this tends to be subconscious, it can drastically impact our relationships and can prevent us from receiving the support we are likely needing. The person who bears the brunt […]
Here’s a wonderful resource that reinforces the strategies discussed in therapy! For free The new podcast they are doing is fabulous (in my opinion!), and each episode takes just about 15 minutes of your time. These recommendations can help us be mindful as we go about our days and work towards strengthening our relationships. The […]
What if some of your best days are still yet to come? While our past does impact us, there is great beauty in knowing that there can be a better tomorrow. Though this doesn’t usually happen right away, we can experience greatness in our future by healing our past, focusing on our future goals/desires, or […]
This video discusses ways blame impacts our relationships. When something bad happens, do you immediately look to identify whose fault it is? Brene Brown notes that blame- the discharging of anger- has an inverse relationship with accountability. It is corrosive in relationships and leads us to miss opportunities for empathy. If your relationship has experienced […]
This VIDEO is a great example of how to listen to support versus fix. An important component of a supportive relationship is the ability to listen to understand versus respond. Validation therefore trumps fixing. Therapy often discusses ways to have a stress reducing conversation, where we can discuss external stressors within the support of our […]
Brene Brown helps remind us the power and importance of empathy – watch here
*Click here for video* Dr. John Gottman can predict relationship failure with over 90% accuracy by just observing couple interactions! He looks for four critical factors which he calls the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. These four horseman are: Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt and Stonwalling. Below are the antidotes to each.
(click “read more” to see TEDtalk link) “I’ve interviewed hundreds of couples and the number one thing that can determine marital happiness is not the job they have, it isn’t income, it isn’t children, it isn’t where they’re from, it isn’t where they are going, it isn’t where they live in the world, it is […]