Trust is essential but, all too often, a rare commodity in many relationships. In previous blogs, we’ve discussed various impediments to trust, the frequent difficulty recognizing them, and ways to recognize some common substitutes. Recognizing things that undermine trust is incredibly helpful, but knowing what doesn’t work is only part … Read More
How to Talk With Your Kids After an Attack
A therapist friend recently shared this resource with me, created specifically to help parents talk to their kids and help them process in the aftermath of the June 2016 attack in Orlando at Pulse nightclub. Just over a year ago, our country was reeling from the aftermath of this attack; … Read More
Emotion-Coaching Parents: Part 2
In The Science of Trust (2011), Dr. John Gottman identified two different types of parents: “emotion-coaching” parents and “emotion-dismissing” parents. Read Part 1 for the hallmarks of emotion-coaching versus emotion-dismissing parents. Now that we’re clear about the differences, let’s talk about why it’s worth taking the time to implement emotion-coaching … Read More
Marriage Love Styles and How to Demystify Them: Part 1
I have found myself often explaining to couples that marriage difficulties are not necessarily the fault of the marriage. A lot of what we experience in our relationships is actually a result of our early years and how emotions and needs were imprinted into us by those we attached to. … Read More
The Positive Impacts of Having a Pet
As I open the door to my house, I hear several paws scampering down the stairs. Two beagles run towards me smiling from ear to ear as they launch their wagging bodies onto me. I am met with this level of excitement every single day. This is by far one … Read More
Mother’s Day When You’ve Lost Your Mom
Losing a loved one is always an incredibly painful experience. It’s not uncommon that even months or years after a loved one has died that you periodically experience grief as though it happened only last week. Often, anniversaries and holidays, like Mother’s Day, are some of the most difficult times … Read More
School and Mental Health: When Parents need to Take Charge
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five school children in the United States suffers in their mental health: anxiety, difficulty focusing and social challenges. As NPR has been reporting in their Mental Health in School series, many schools don’t have the resources to meet their … Read More
Estate Planning: How to Take Care of Your Loved Ones
What better time to plan and prepare for your future through estate planning than right now? I recently sat down with an estate planner and wanted to share insights I’ve gained in hopes to encourage you to examine the benefits of planning to take care of your loved ones once … Read More
Divorce: Dad or Mom left…now what?
Navigating divorce is difficult. There are many causes for divorce. A few of these are: Affairs Grown apart/fallen out of love Addiction Incompatible Divorce becomes even more complex when there are children involved. Many times, parents become bitter and angry towards each other and it is hard to treat each … Read More
Experiencing Positive Change in Your Relationships
As a marriage and family therapist, the biggest hurdle that I see individuals and couples face in realizing the goals for their relationships is that they keep doing what they have been doing, in spite of having learned a better way. So, as the Nike ad says, “Just do it.” … Read More
