Perhaps there is a reason that we have two ears and one mouth. Much of our ability to connect with each other depends upon our openness to hearing what is said. Attentive listening helps us to feel seen and valued. Our attention is a priceless gift….
Read MoreSome mistakenly think that play is something children do. But there are several good reasons to continue having fun throughout our life. Create more fun and joy in your life by approaching …
Read MoreThere is an all too human tendency to become an expert in avoiding responsibility. It can be painful to consider our shortcomings, and it is much easier to look at the flaws in others…
Read MoreAs the pandemic grinds on, the stress is wearing people down. Anxiety and depression are increasing. The struggles of single parents have increased due to being cut off from most everyday social interactions. Then there are casualties….
Read MoreAccording to Zig Ziglar, "When you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time." Therapeutic goals help move your time in counseling from an enjoyable experience to a growth experience. Your counsellor will work with you to increase…
Read MoreJanuary is a time when thoughts often turn to new year's resolutions. Current restrictions mean that most of us are spending more time with only those who live in our household. Perhaps during this gift of time together, your relationship could benefit from some intentional attention…
Read MoreWe are living in stressful times. Anxiety, frustration, and fear are commonplace. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negative emotions, and it helps us combat the negative thought train. Eight weeks of gratitude practice can begin to change your brain patterns and increase empathy and happiness…
Read MoreOur beliefs about relationships have a massive impact on the success of our relationships. Faulty assumptions can cause much frustration and disappointment. Sometimes beliefs that seem to be reasonable or even positive can be detrimental because they …
Read MoreAs human beings, we are surprisingly adaptable. A new study has found that “Our psychological immune system is so effective that even though we have an ongoing, persisting stressor, we start to fix ourselves almost immediately “ We can be knocked for a loop when stress, such as a pandemic, hits us; however ...
Read MoreWe celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary this summer. We were married at 18 and 20 years of age, so we had a lot of growing up to do. Not that we were aware of that at the time. Over the years, we have had our share of struggles, but we have also found ways to keep falling in love over and over again. I want to share….
Read MoreIn our relationships, when we take the challenge to face up to and work to remove obstacles that may be preventing closeness and harmony, we may be surprised to find hidden treasures. With persistent and loving efforts, we can frequently discover ways to …
Read MoreToday, the world is feeling a little out of control, as we are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, racial tensions, natural disasters, and an economic decline. Focusing on controlling what we can control…
Read MoreWe frequently eat for reasons other than hunger. And the current Covid-19 pandemic has interrupted our schedules and created uncertainty. As our stress has increased, we may find ourselves eating more or eating more of the wrong kinds of food…
Read MoreIt may seem a bit contradictory to say that loving yourself will improve your marriage or relationships. Shouldn’t I be suggesting instead to be more loving toward others?
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic has spread world-wide. There is great uncertainty and anxiety is increasing. These are challenging times, taking care of your mental health and finding peace (even moments of peace) will strengthen your immune system and make you more resilient. Below are several suggestions to help …
Read MoreHave you reached an impasse in your relationship? Does it feel like you are stuck in negative patterns of relating? Are you questioning whether you chose the right person? Remember, there is so much more to creating an amazing relationship than choosing each other….
Read MoreEven soul mates need to take care of their relationship so that they do not end up with the 'I love you, but...' syndrome. Maintaining intimacy takes time, thoughtfulness, and positive action. Creating excellent relationship-enhancing habits, like …
Read MoreWhat comes to mind when you think of New Year's Resolutions? Common resolutions include improving fitness, weight loss, and increasing financial abundance. Perhaps an overlooked goal is that of improving our mental health. Sound mental health is a resolution worthy undertaking, and improved mental health brings all our goals within reach. Below are some recommendations to help you improve your self-care and self-compassion and regain your sense of balance.
Read MoreA wise Chinese proverb says, "Dig the well before you are thirsty." There is great wisdom in preparing for the inevitable. The time to dig a well is not when you are weak and dying of thirst. Perhaps the time to strengthen your relationship is when things are still somewhat satisfactory. It may seem overly obvious, but couples who come for counseling while they still like each other have a much higher chance of staying together in a fulfilling relationship.
Read MoreConnection is to relationships what oxygen is to living. Just as we would not survive for long without oxygen, relationships will wither and die from a lack of connection. Connecting with your partner lays the foundation for any intimacy, including sexual intimacy…
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