How Do We Identify Our Needs?

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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.

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4 Ways To Give Yourself Extra Care During Colder Months

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4 Ways To Give Yourself Extra Care During Colder Months

If you’re anything like me, colder weather and shorter days mean a number of things are changing:

1.   Getting out of bed in the dark? Yeah, that feels like running a marathon.

2.   Lunch looks more like pork mac and cheese than a grilled chicken salad with almonds, goat cheese and fruit.

3.   Doing the dishes when you get home from work is infinitely less appealing than putting your feet up and watching holiday-themed movies.

We get out of healthier habits and slip into hibernation mode. Our bodies aren’t as well-nourished because the foods that seem more appetizing have higher levels of fat and sugar. We are lounging more and moving less. All of these factors lead us to feeling sluggish, less emotionally stable, and generally yucky!

 Self-care to the rescue! I am here to tell you there are ways to boost comfort and contentment without sacrificing true care for your mind and body. Here we go.

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Releasing Different Types of Tension in the Body: Tension in the Lower Back

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Releasing Different Types of Tension in the Body: Tension in the Lower Back

This blog marks the second in a series on releasing tension in the body and will focus on the lower back. Tension in the lower back is commonly known to be caused by sitting for long periods of time and strain from heavy lifting. However, it can also be caused by psychological stress. As mentioned in the first of this blog series, tension in the neck and shoulders is also often caused by psychological stress; prolonged tightening of neck and shoulder muscles can lead to lower back pain. In the previous blog post, somatization is also described, which explains how certain areas in our bodies store certain emotions. Pain in the lower back can be associated with feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness. Examples of this include a low sense of self-worth or lack of self-acceptance. Furthermore, since the lower back is connected to the pelvic region and sexual organs, it is also possible that pain in the low back could also be a result of stored sexual trauma.

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The Gottman Method Of Couples Therapy : Why This Method Shines

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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.

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Child Loss: Grieving As A Couple

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Child Loss: Grieving As A Couple

While grief and loss are a normal part of life, the death of a child is unimaginable. It goes against the natural order of things- a parent is not supposed to outlive their child. Experiencing the loss of a child changes every part of your world, both who you are and how you see yourself in it. In the first few weeks and months, parents have shared feeling like they are in a fog or numb. As months grow on, the intensity of emotions can feel overwhelming and disorienting. Contrary to what society may say, the pain does not go away after a year or some defined stage, it is a lifelong unfolding journey. While grief shifts and changes over time, it can feel unpredictable, like waves crashing in the ocean.  Many people struggle to know who they can talk with about their grief experience. Some parents long for spaces to talk about their child and hear their child’s name spoken out loud. Some friends and family may be uncomfortable talking about the child who died or worry that continue talking about it is a sign that someone is not “moving on”. This can create feelings of loneliness and isolation, feeling like your emotions are too big for others to carry. During this time, many parents worry about the impact their grief journey will have on them not only on them individually, but also their relationship as a couple.

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