Me Time For Us: How Self-Care Can Save Your Relationship
The holidays have just passed and with Valentine’s Day coming up, there’s a good chance you haven’t had much time to focus on yourself. There can be lots to do for others, so you may sometimes forget about what you need. When you neglect your needs, this not only affects you, but also your partner. […]
Weather Getting Cold? Let’s Warm up with Connection!
What do you picture when you think of winter? Getting up on a cold, gloomy, dark, morning dreading the weather outside? A lot of people experience a negative shift in their mood and motivation when winter comes, and feelings of loneliness can increase. Now try picturing this; a cozy night snuggled up with a loved […]
4 Ways to Actively Listen…Like A Therapist!
Active listening is the first lesson that all therapists learn. It cultivates a relationship of safety, trust, and care. In your everyday life, knowing how to actively listen can deepen your connection with loved ones. Can you think of people who you like but don’t feel comfortable talking to about your problems or things that […]
Overcoming Your Negative Thoughts in Relationships
Do your negative thoughts create self-fulfilling prophecies in your relationship? Do you often think of the worst-case scenario that causes unnecessary worry? You are not alone in this. The human brain is designed to look out for danger and protect itself. Negative thinking is our default setting. Because of this evolutionary design, our negativity bias […]
4 Communication Styles that Lead to Failed Relationships
Recall your previous failed attempts at communicating. Are any of the following phrases familiar? Partner B: (Looks down, avoids eye contact) Partner A: “Are you listening to me? Hello?” Partner B: (No response) In his book, The seven principles for making marriage work (2015), relationship expert, Dr. John Gottman describes the above four negative communication […]
Is Couples Counselling Right for Us?
How do you know if you and your partner need couples counselling? How does it help and what does it entail? I get asked this question a lot. Just you asking this question tells me that you’ve considered couples counselling because the problems you are experiencing are beyond you, and you need outside help. The […]
Gratitude: Does It Live Up To The Hype?
Have you ever wondered if the claims about gratitude are exaggerated? Can gratitude really help your physical and emotional wellbeing? Well, it depends. Do you implement gratitude daily? How do you interpret the small kindness others show you? If the answer is a resounding yes, then the claims are true. Studies have consistently found that […]
Why Do You Lie?
Most of you may think that you are an honest person. But research shows that the average adult lies 1 to 2 times a day and is lied to 10 to 200 times a day. The psych-illogical thing is, none of us want to be lied to, but all of us lie to others. […]
The Five Factors of an Effective Apology
It’s nearly Easter! Many of us associate this time of year with the chocolate-hiding bunny, but what is Easter really about? Theologians tell us that Easter encapsulates the concepts of forgiveness, redemption, and love. Regardless of our religious/spiritual affiliation, or adherence to atheism, the health of our interpersonal relationships depends on how well we make […]
Why Do You Keep Fighting with Your Partner?
Most couples who come for counselling complain that their partner JUST DOESN’T LISTEN! The psych-illogical thought is that both people want to be heard, but neither wants to listen to the other. So what can you do to change this nonsense? Lesson #1: Listen to Your Partner This is easier said than done. Just shut […]