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Communication Tips: How to Truly Listen
We have relationships in all areas of our lives. With ourselves, with loved ones, with family (whether they are good or not), work colleagues,...
Codependency and the Difference Between Caretaking and Caregiving
Initially, the term codependency applied to those living in households with a substance abuser. Today, researchers are aware that people in general...
7 Ways to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy
Are you your own worst enemy? Do you do what you shouldn’t and fail to do what you should? Maybe you know you shouldn’t eat certain things due to a...
Communication Problems? 7 Tips to Better Communication in Your Marriage
Does it sometimes feel like your spouse is from another planet? That the two of you speak totally different languages? That’s actually not so far from the truth.
A close-up of a couple embracing, with a focus on a hand displaying an engagement ring. Soft, romantic atmosphere.
People of all genders do have different ways of communicating. To remedy communication problems, those differences will have to be overcome.
Still, it probably feels like both of you are completely clueless about how to even approach this issue. What, then, can you do? Are you just doomed to being horrible communicators? – I assure you, it’s not that hopeless.
Paralyzing Anxiety: Flight-or-Flight’s Brother, Freeze
A paralyzing anxiety attack can almost completely shut you down.
When Fight-or-Flight’s brother, Freeze, hits you with his Supervillain-like freeze ray – unless you have a high frequency ice pick handy – you’re stuck!
Okay, okay. Anxiety related “freezing” might not be quite as dramatic as a Superhero battle.
But a paralyzing anxiety attack is definitely similar to being caught in the icy grasp of an overpowering force. You spin your wheels on slippery ground. You cannot move an inch.
Worst feeling ever!
How can you possibly shatter the grip of this frosty companion to the fight-or-flight response and get moving again?
What is a Codependent Relationship? Look For These Signs
A codependent relationship is defined as dependency on the approval of another person for your self-worth and identity. The behavior pattern of a person in a codependent relationship leads them to ignore their own needs, wants, and desires in a relationship, at times making extreme sacrifices to please their partner. For that reason, a codependent person lacks self-sufficiency and independence.
But wait a minute…
Aren’t we always bombarded with the romantic notion of loving someone so much that we just can’t exist without them? Isn’t this a sign of true, deep love?
True, sacrificing our own needs, in moderation, or perhaps, for brief periods of time, is normal and even good for the development of a close relationship. But those in codependent relationships are usually so utterly out of touch with their own needs that it completely hinders the growth of their relationship.
What about you? Do you think you might be in a codependent relationship?
Premarital Counseling: How to Make Sure You’re Both on the Same Page
Everyone involved in constructing a building has to go by the same plans. If not, it can become a complete disaster. The same is true for a marriage. To be successful, you must have the same plans, or be on the same page.
Premarital counseling can help you to do exactly that. How?
During premarital counseling sessions you will be encouraged to discuss various topics related to marriage. Through these discussions, you can gain insight into your relationship dynamics and the possible problems you encounter. You’ll learn how to resolve conflicts and become better able to communicate well.
While seeking premarital counseling, what are some of the most important areas in which you should make sure that you’re both on the same page?
Are you just blue or are you depressed? 10 Signs of Depression
Depression is common illness and is serious: One in 10 adults report experiencing depression at some time in their life. This is not just feeling...
Do You Feel More Like Roommates? Five Ways to Reconnect With Your Partner
Has your relationship between you and your partner become stale and routine? Does it feel like you have a friendly (or not so friendly) roommate?...
Are You Emotionally Healthy?
I had the opportunity to watch a “chick flick” (I love deep ones with lots of character development) with 3 of my good friends last weekend. After...
How Can Therapy Help Me?
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety you want to know how to relieve the symptoms of fatigue, sadness, hopelessness. As well as the feelings of panic, fear and insecurity. Some people might say, “this will pass” or “cheer up, you have a lot to be thankful for” and a wise friend might tell you to get therapy.
But how can therapy help? Can’t I just talk with my friend? Find out how a licensed therapist can help.
What Fills Your Tank?
Memorial Day weekend was coming up and I had three days off to decide what to do with. Because I am balancing a job and my counseling practice, a...
What’s Your Word?
Brene Brown quote At the beginning of the year, a word kept popping up for me and I decided it would be my word for the year. That word is...
Characteristics of an Abusive Family Upbringing
Many adults wonder why they feel anxious, depressed, lonely, struggle with addictions or troubled relationships. You may wonder why you are self-...
How to Speak So That You are Heard
Previously, I focused on the part of communication involving listening. The focus of this article is “How to Speak So that You are Heard" with some...
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