Stress prevention and management is important not only to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, it can contribute to your overall wellness and mental health. As a former teacher of stress management courses, I cannot emphasize enough how much learning to manage and prevent stress can improve … [Read more...] about How to Manage and Prevent Stress
From Vicious Cycle to Adaptive Spiral
When it comes to unhealthy, ingrained patterns, therapists often use the term “vicious cycle.” Something happens that causes something else, which leads to a downward slide. When we think of personal growth, we usually refer to growth as a straight line. A spiral, however, is a new way for you to … [Read more...] about From Vicious Cycle to Adaptive Spiral
Leaving the Prison of Our Selves: Understanding and Outgrowing our Personal Fables
Once Upon a Time you were small. When you were small, you relied on your caregiver(s) for food, shelter - your very survival. To you, your parents were like gods, at least according to your perception, and thus, according to Reality. Inferiority Feelings What develops, according to Alfred Adler, … [Read more...] about Leaving the Prison of Our Selves: Understanding and Outgrowing our Personal Fables
Do you or Someone you Know have Off-putting Qualities?
It can be very difficult to truly know how we come across to others. It can be even more difficult if you grew up without many friends, who provide a “feedback loop” during our identity-forming teen years. Either way, there can be a yawning gap between how we think we're coming across to others and … [Read more...] about Do you or Someone you Know have Off-putting Qualities?
The Internet, Your Relationship, and You
Is the Internet hurting your relationship? The Internet is coming between many couples. It has made sexual issues more complicated. However, sex isn’t the only area where the Internet is problematic. A lot of people are playing video games until the wee hours of the morning, and their partners … [Read more...] about The Internet, Your Relationship, and You
Explore Ongoing Patterns for a Healthier Relationship
Consider the following phrases: "I always meet people who are unavailable; they're either with someone or from out of town." "Why do all of my partners last less than a year?" "As soon as I let my guard down, they betray me." "It was great for a while, but now all we do is argue." Do any of these … [Read more...] about Explore Ongoing Patterns for a Healthier Relationship
Assertiveness: It’s Easier than You Think
What is assertiveness? Without realizing it, we ask for what they want all the time, but sometimes it's done in a roundabout way. Assertiveness is simply asking for what you want directly direct. Some individuals mistake assertiveness for aggression. Aggression means not taking No for an answer. … [Read more...] about Assertiveness: It’s Easier than You Think
15 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for relationships. Taking time to plan, changing the way you view this time of year, and finding support may lead to a more enjoyable season. You can reduce holiday pressures by expecting stressful situations to occur. Be ready for late airplanes … [Read more...] about 15 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
Communication and Relationships
Perhaps you, like many couples, find that the most difficult period is during the transition for short-term to long-term, which could be anywhere from six months to two years. This pivotal time is when communication becomes more important and unfortunately it's also the time when it can get bogged … [Read more...] about Communication and Relationships
If you’re in an Abusive Relationship
Domestic Violence Adam and Brianna have been together for five years. Adam has been violent for the past year. He didn’t hit her until she got pregnant, which is sometimes when perpetrators start abusing their partners. What is Domestic Violence? Domestic Violence (DV) is a systematic attempt by one … [Read more...] about If you’re in an Abusive Relationship