The world needs more kindness! In some moments, on some days, someone feels hurt, sad, angry, frustrated, discouraged, worried or anxious. It might be you, your children, your spouse, your friend, your neighbor or a coworker. That’s a probability. Also, true is demonstrating sincere kindness can positively affect your family, community and, yes, the […]
Most of my clients seek individual therapeutic counseling to address stress, anger management, or intrusive thoughts, often stemming from childhood abuse and neglect, or generational trauma. However, I feel a special honor when couples choose to confront their relationship conflicts, disconnection, or dissatisfaction. Disconnection in couples can be repaired. The Pattern of Disconnection in Couples […]
This blog explores how overindulging children often results in adults who walk and talk with a sense of privilege. Growing up on a farm, the idea of my parents indulging us never crossed my and my siblings’ minds. This concept likely never crosses the minds of those who engage in egomaniac, self-admiring, diva, princess, or […]
Before we can attempt to help build resilience in others, we need to understand the concept. Resilience is the ability or capacity to cope with, or recover from, change, adversity, mistakes, and sometimes poor behavior. It is like a rubber band. Both are about being stretched and returning to their original condition or even improved. […]
It is a given that humans all have flesh, hearts, and brains. However, we are as different and diverse in our personalities as in our DNA. Sometimes it can be helpful to cluster those personalities into tendencies for the benefit of understanding and improved interaction. I have found knowing the difference between an introverted and extroverted preference […]
Many people believe they are listening when actually they are not. Basic listening skills only require a commitment, care and a wee bit of practice.
The Urge to Fix People is a Common Theme in Counseling Therapy In counseling therapy sessions, a recurring theme often surfaces: the urge to fix people, especially loved ones. Whether in individual or couple counseling, this inclination to alter someone’s behavior or circumstance is a natural response to emotional pain. However, it can hinder personal […]
Sue Johnson’s legacy will live on in her presentations (many available online), the therapists she trained, and the books she wrote, including the practical and helpful, “Hold Me Tight.”
How do we begin to listen with empathy, not with apathetic uncaring demeanor nor with smothering, “poor you, pity you” messages? First, we can begin with Stephen Covey’s most quoted phrase of “seek first to understand the other.” It is the seeking that is key to offering our attention and presence.
High Performance Relationships is a well-researched, practical, and helpful resource for those ready to mend, deepen, or enhance their relationships. Dr. Peters has systematized a lifetime of self-searching, research, academic work and leadership experience. She is thorough in ensuring her personal perspectives are in alignment with current research, drawing from the fields of communications, career […]
Book Summary of Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them In the last several years, clients have increasingly expressed sadness and grief about experiences of family cut offs or estrangement. Dr. Karl Pillemer, author of Fault Lines refers to this dynamic as fractures. Here is a summary of his book, including the research, […]
Making a chocolate bar card on someone’s birthday is fun for the creator and the receiver. The materials are easily accessible and the creative result, fun.