How Trauma Affects Relationships

How Trauma Affects Relationships

Have you ever seen a new home? Everything feels fresh and full of possibilities. There’s excitement about making it your own. But as with any new house, the foundation goes through a process of settling. The soil underneath tightens and shifts, causing the house to slowly reach its final position. This is normal, but it can lead to small cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors that don’t close properly. Most of the time, this settling stops on its own. However, if the house settles too much or unevenly, it can lead to bigger problems, requiring repairs to keep it stable. When this happens, homeowners can feel frustrated and discouraged about their once-exciting new home.

Read More

How Do We Identify Our Needs?

How Do We Identify Our Needs?

So often when we are feeling frustrated in life with our jobs, families or other relationships, we end up feeling the same thing over and over again but aren’t able to identify in those moments what is familiar. Because of this, we can tend to either ignore those feelings and begin to have a pattern of dealing with that person or circumstance that often leads to feeling those same feelings over and over again without any real resolution or positive outcome. I often talk to clients that knowing how to express and communicate the change we need to feel or see is the first step towards moving into a new pattern of communication.

Read More

The Gottman Method Of Couples Therapy : Why This Method Shines

The Gottman Method Of Couples Therapy : Why This Method Shines

Ever watched those romantic comedies where characters seem to dance into the moonlight with their partners? Let’s face it, at times our relationship feels more like a wrestling match than a dance. Couples counseling can help through those challenges. There are many different approaches to couples counseling, but one that stands out is the Gottman method. Let’s explore why it’s a good choice for couples, who want to not only get by but to make their relationship the best it can be.

Read More

Couples Counseling 101

Couples Counseling 101

When thinking about marriages and long-term relationships, they can feel overwhelming, especially with an estimated 50% of marriages leading to divorce. Knowing that marriage and relationship has its challenges, it is important to know where to turn for help when things get challenging. Couples counseling can be a great option to strengthen your relationship with your partner.

Read More

Codependency: What Is It?

Codependency: What Is It?

The original concept of “codependent” came from wives of the alcoholics who started Alcoholic Anonymous, Bill Wilson and “Dr. Bob.”  The men would have AA meetings in people’s houses and the wives would sit in the kitchen and talk over coffee and dessert.  As they exchanged stories about their experiences, they realized they all had done similar things in an effort to protect their husband from consequences of their alcoholism.

Read More