Have you ever felt like you and your partner are having the same argument over and over and it never gets resolved? Do you ever think, couldn’t I just phone this one in? Are you worn out from the battles? Perhaps it’s time for a new approach to conflict.
Reduce Stress Just in Time for 2016
January is seen by many as a time to turn over a new leaf. People feel inspired by the blank slate of the new year to make resolutions they hope will bring them change and new chances for happiness. New Year’s resolutions usually focus on weight, feeling healthier, and growing bank accounts. While all of those are important, the new year can also be a perfect time to feel better by finding ways to reduce stress in your life.
Relationship Spark – Get Creative Together!
Is improving your romantic relationship high on your list priorities for 2016? One of the best things you can do for your relationship is to get creative and have fun together. We have an upcoming Spark! date night event to provide you with an opportunity to do just that. I’ll … Read More
Relationship Resolutions for the New Year
Here we are in a new year! It’s a time for reflecting on the past year and thinking about what you’d like to accomplish in the coming months. I suggest every couple not only make individual resolutions but specifically relationship resolutions. Relationships so often go malnourished due to everyday stressors that life brings. Unhealthy communication patterns, unresolved issues, or a lack of quality time in a relationship can quickly have a negative emotional impact on each individual. Symptoms may include depression, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, changes in weight and sleep habits. It’s important to make each other a priority to maintain a healthy, nourished relationship.
HALT Part 5 of 5 – Am I feeling tired?
When we’re tired, we’re more likely to become irritable or get into arguments. Why is that and what can we do to prevent it?
First Things First: Elements of Healthy Relationships
We put ourselves in the unenviable position of trying to address our relational health by reacting to negative experiences; relational health becomes a process of reverse engineering, figuring out what not to do. My client’s question suggests a much better approach. To that end, I would argue that three conditions are required to foster and sustain healthy relationships
HALT Part 4 of 5 – Am I feeling lonely?
The first time I heard that HALT method explained to me, I didn’t quite understand why loneliness made it on to the list. Most of us are aware of the fact that, on some level, being hungry or tired can make us irritable. And it makes sense that if I’m angry about one thing, I might take it out on someone else. But why loneliness? The answer has to do with two concepts: attachment and secondary emotions.
Solving the Mystery of Sleep
There’s no question that every day feels busier during the fall. The days are shorter, and the sun sets earlier. This is the time of year of deadlines, yearly reviews, final exams, holiday parties, and numerous other life to-dos. Many people try to accomplish their daily to-do list by sacrificing their full night sleep. I myself have been guilty of thinking a late or all-nighter is the best way to accomplish everything I need to get done. Other people find that as their schedules get busier, their ability to have a full, restful night’s sleep gets smaller and smaller.
HALT Part 3 of 5 – Am I angry?
The HALT method is one of the most useful tools I have ever come across as a therapist. Whenever you find yourself heading towards a fight with your spouse/coworker/etc., ask yourself: Am I feeling hungry, angry, lonely or tired? This simple question has the power to radically transform those conversations. … Read More
Why Are Teens So Stressed Out? Part 2
In the first part of this blog, we looked at how chronic stress is beginning to impact teens in high school. Earlier this month, The Atlantic Magazine addressed this issue in their article “High Stress High School”. Teens are under increasing pressure/stress related to academic performance, intense focus on college applications/decisions, standardized test score performance and balancing their daily activities. In our previous post, we identified signs of chronic stress in teens and here are a few ways teens can cope with stress in a healthy manner. Developing healthy coping skills can be a lifelong goal, but parents can encourage and model good coping skills for their teens, right when they need it most!