You often hear that communication in any relationship is key.  There are many resources out there on how to communicate along with some topics to help get you started.  There are even apps for your tablets and smartphones that are solely geared to conversation starters. 

Have you ever been in a therapy session and your therapist casually drops a phrase you’ve never heard before? “Hold space”? “Sit with a feeling”? You’re sitting there smiling and nodding politely, but you’re probably thinking, “What does that even mean? Who says that?” Being a therapist, these phrases make sense, are easy to say, and have become second nature over my years of practice, so sometimes it’s easy to forget that not everyone speaks “therapist.”

I often hear statements from one partner that they love the other person, but that they are not “in love” with them. Really, I hear this from nearly every couple. They have lost that loving feeling, so to speak. What is actually happening is that the “newness” of the relationship has worn off. Human nature is rather fickle, and many have the “what have you done for me lately?” attitude when it comes to relationships.

We often have trouble communicating in relationships regardless of the type of relationship.  This is more so in a couple’s environment as there are always competing priorities or values.  One of the major enhancements to a relationship, especially in marriage, is to have emotional dialogues with each other.

“Conflict in relationships is normal, so how do I know if marriage counseling might help us?”  You may feel like marriage counseling seems too drastic for the need you’re currently managing.  Maybe you’ve only known people to pursue marriage counseling when they’re “really in trouble” and that’s not you!  You guys are doing okay, but […]

Difficulty owning your own reality is a crucial symptom to address in the pursuit to overcome codependent-linked thoughts, beliefs, and actions. “Codependents often report that they don’t know who they are.” – Pia Mellody Author and speaker, Pia Mellody, maps out several eye-opening insights in her book Facing Codependence: What it is, Where it comes […]

Understanding the 5 stages of change How do you respond to change?  Do you embrace it with all that you have or do you avoid it at all costs?  Can I be honest with you?  Change is inevitable.  And no matter how good you might think you are at avoiding it or ignoring it, we […]

I love Jesus. And I also struggle. I am no stranger to fear and worry and anxiety. For years I was told things like “just trust God more” and “worry is a sin” and “you should pray more”.  And yet despite a love for the Lord that resonates to the core of who I am, […]

According to a recent Gallup poll, 50% of Americans say that their financial situation is getting worse.  The unemployment rate is sitting at 14.7%, the highest rate this country has seen since the days of the Great Depression.  According to nerdwallet.com, a stock market downturn may escalate into a stock market crash following the pandemic […]