As summer comes to an end, parents and their kids all get ready to transition back to school. For most people, this time of year can feel very stressful as the entire family system has to adjust to the schedule of going back to school.
Here are some practices that you can implement at any point in the school year to help manage your stress and make this time go more smoothly.
Read MoreShame is an emotion of embarrassment and humiliation that creates an internal belief that we are fundamentally flawed and unworthy. Guilt, on the other hand, focuses on a behavior or something someone has done, and feeling responsible or regretful of a negative outcome.
Oftentimes feeling overwhelmed with shame can lead to becoming stuck in a pattern of punishing or self-destructive behavior, which can increase feelings of shame. Practicing self-compassion is a way to break this cycle. Self-compassion is having the same compassion owards yourself as you would towards a friend or loved one.
Read MoreGoing through a break-up can feel overwhelming, disorienting, and incredibly painful. This person who used to play such a major role in your life all of a sudden ceases to exist in your reality, but they tend to continue to exist in your mind long after the last goodbyes.
Read MoreCompassion is pretty simple: show care and concern for others who are suffering. Who would say no to more of that? For centuries, we have dreamed of a world where we are more compassionate to one another. But offering more compassion to ourselves? That’s where the dream stumbles. We become uncomfortable. The idea can even anger some of us.
Read MoreDo you find yourself often waking up wanting to hit snooze and go back to sleep? Maybe its work, a long list of tasks, or just overall dread for the day ahead. You might notice a mind full of worries and a feeling of panic that is difficult to control. This is a common experience for many individuals. Fortunately, there are things you can do to lessen the impact.
Read MoreAs human beings, we are hardwired to want to problem solve. It is part of the reason we have become so advanced as a species. However, when it comes to having a deep, meaningful connection with your partner, trying to problem solve right away may ironically get you into another problem.
Read MoreAt some point in your life, you or a loved one may have faced a traumatic life event that has taken a toll on your relationships. Trauma is more common than you may think. In fact, 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced a traumatic life event at least once in their lives. According to the American Psychological Association, one of the long-term effects of trauma is strained relationships. Trauma can be defined as an emotional response to a distressing event that causes significant fear, confusion, helplessness, or dissociation.
Read MoreOn April 23rd, 2024, Dr. Sue Johnson died after a long battle with cancer. As relationship focused therapists, Dr. Johnson made an immeasurable mark on all of us at A Better Life. Dr Johnson was the innovator of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). Dr. Johnson
Read MoreEmotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective approach that has revolutionized the way we understand and work with couples in therapy. This therapeutic approach views couples' conflicts through the lens of attachment theory, recognizing that emotional connection lies at the core of a healthy and satisfying relationship. One of the key concepts in EFT is "mapping the couples conflict dance," which offers a valuable roadmap for understanding and transforming problematic patterns in relationships.
Read MoreDo you find yourself constantly checking your email? Do you over-analyze every decision and try to have a perfect plan? Do you find yourself skipping social events to avoid being judged by others? If these scenarios sound familiar, you may be dealing with a heightened sense of stress related to feeling a lack of control in your life.
Read MoreAre you struggling to communicate with your partner? Feel like you're stuck in a rut, experiencing recurrent conflicts, and unable to find a way forward? If so, it might be time to explore the transformative power of Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Developed by renowned psychologists Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman, this evidence-based approach has revolutionized how couples around the world repair and strengthen their relationships.
Read MoreIn this fast-paced world, stress and tension have become an inevitable part of our lives. However, finding ways to effectively manage and reduce stress is crucial for our overall well-being and relationship harmony. One effective approach that many therapists swear by is the Gottman Method. Developed by renowned psychologists Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman, this method focuses on enhancing communication, understanding, and empathy in relationships. In this blog, we will explore how to use the Gottman Method for stress-reducing conversations.
Read MoreAsking your partner to go to therapy can be a sensitive topic that requires finesse, understanding, and compassion. It's important to approach the conversation with empathy and a willingness to engage in open communication. Here are four ways you can broach the subject with your partner…
Read MoreJeffrey Schwartz created a 4 step program to help his patients manage OCD. However, this steps can help anyone navigate any type of anxious thinking. His 4 steps can help you to become more aware of what you are feeling and how you are reacting and also provide an opportunity to take a pause and come back before reacting. The ultimate goal is to put space between the stimulus, the feeling, and the actions you take. Doing this helps disrupt anxiety loops.
Read MoreHave you ever felt dysregulated and unmotivated and found yourself feeling completely different after cleaning up and refreshing your bedroom or washing the dishes? Not only are we able to feel better by accomplishing a small (or large) task, but we also are curating a healthy environment that feels better for both our bodies and our minds.
Read MoreDid you know our relationships go through some predictable phases? And each phase asks something of us in order to move forward to the next phase?
Read MoreDisagreements and other tense moments are normal in healthy relationships. Rough patches, too, are par for the course, especially if you’ve been together for a long time. But what kinds of issues warrant a visit to a couples therapist?
Read MoreBids refer to the small, often subtle, attempts we make to connect with our partners on a daily basis. These could be in the form of gestures, questions, comments, or even non-verbal cues. Bids can be as simple as sharing a funny story, asking for help with a task, or seeking emotional support during a difficult moment. According to the Gottmans, how couples respond to these bids significantly impacts the quality and longevity of their relationships.
Read More
