We often intrinsically know whether we feel listened to and understood, ignored, dismissed, or misunderstood by another person. But how often do we intentionally think about our capacity to listen in relationships – whether that’s work, family, romantic, social, or spiritual – and how often do we reflect on the connection between our early family experiences and how they taught us to listen (or not)? Here are a few questions to help you explore how you have learned to listen (and what you expect from other listeners).
One Hour to Becoming a Better Spouse and Parent
We all know the importance of good habits. As we head back in to the school year, it’s not uncommon for parents to begin helping their children by establishing schedules that include things like regular homework time or a routine bedtime. However, the start of the school year can be a great time for parents to re-examine their own schedules and routines as well. One area that can be particularly helpful for many couples is to establish some routines or habits around spending time together.
Preparing for a New School Year as a Family
It’s important to prepare for a new school year as a family. Family meetings, schedules, goals- these will help you start the school year right.
Identifying Coping Activities
In our busy culture, it is often hard to identify what we enjoy doing for fun, or self-care. I ask clients regularly what they enjoy doing for fun or self-care. You would think that I asked them how to save the planet! I get blank stares, shrugged shoulders, and “I … Read More
Building a Better Brain
Therapy is a critical element in experiencing change. But we also believe that what our clients do with their time outside of therapy will either assist with or distract from their goals. In fact, studies are showing us that certain things we do and specific changes we make can literally change the “wiring” and composition of the brain.
Compassionately Feeling your Emotions
It is important for us to lean into and allow ourselves to feel our emotions instead of trying to avoid them. Here are some reasons why!
Compassion and Mindfulness
Mindfulness can bring a high level of self-awareness, but it also brings a level of awareness of what others are experiencing.
Compassionate Self-Discipline
Self-compassion and discipline.
These two concepts are often seen as opposing ideas, something we have to choose between. It is easy to feel this way, especially if we are used to being motivated by shame or punishment.
Compassion and Our Shared Humanity
We are all human, which means that we get up on the wrong side of the bed occasionally, we have lost loved ones, we don’t always get our way, and we even argue with the ones that we love the most. This quote highlights a need to recognize that we need each other.
Incorporating Self-Compassion Into Your Life
Why is it we say things to ourselves that we would never say to even our worst enemy? Harsh self-criticism seems to be the norm. But is it really helpful? Instead try a little self-compassion next time you think you’ve messed up.