How to Listen Without Getting Defensive
“Why does everything always have to be a fight?” “Why can’t we ever talk about something without it turning into a fight?” These are things I hear not only from my couples in couples therapy but also from individuals. Wouldn’t you appreciate feeling heard in a difficult conversation? And I’m sure there have been many times where you have [...]
9 Essential Ingredients of a True Apology
There are times that I don’t always show up as my best self. I’m sure if you ask my husband, Todd, he’ll tell you that there are many more times than I care to admit, that a lesser version of myself shows up. Just like all of us, I can get stressed or be in a bad mood and [...]
Relationships in Isolation
It feels like our world has changed so much in the last eight weeks. The coronavirus has impacted each and every one of us to varying significant degrees. All of us now have a new normal. As we socially distance, some of us are breathing a sigh of relief and enjoying being introverted. Others of us are feeling lonely [...]
6 Ways to Help Manage Anxiety
It seems like life has changed a great deal in the span of a very short time. I know I sometimes wake up in the morning and wonder if it’s all been a bad dream but, alas, no, it’s very real. We are all social distancing, spending a lot more time at home, and consuming far too much news. [...]
Self-Care: Why It’s Important
Lately I seem to be talking about self-care a lot in my therapy room. There seems to be an epidemic of people not taking care of themselves. What happens when we don’t pay attention to our needs over a period of time? Depression, anxiety, feeling lethargic, difficulty in relationships are just some results of this. People seem to be [...]
Want a Happier Relationship? Stop Criticizing! Complain Instead.
How do you express to your partner that your feelings are hurt or that you are annoyed or angry with him/her? The way you convey these concerns makes a big difference in your relationship, how your spouse is likely to feel and respond, and whether or not you will get your needs met. Many of us are very adept [...]