The Gottman Method: Strengthening Your Relationships through Bids for Connection

Bids 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.

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Elizabeth Earnshaw
Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Finding Balance and Embracing Change

Developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s, DBT was initially designed to treat individuals struggling with borderline personality disorder. However, over time, its effectiveness has been recognized in addressing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship challenges. DBT is firmly grounded in mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive-behavioral therapy principles.

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Elizabeth Earnshaw
PACT Couples Therapy: Your Pathway to Stronger Connections

Relationships play a pivotal role in our lives, shaping our happiness, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction. However, maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship can sometimes prove challenging, as patterns of communication, conflict, and unresolved issues can create barriers between partners. This is where PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) comes into play, offering a fresh perspective and empowering couples to transform their relationships. In today's blog post, we will explore the incredible benefits and unique approach of PACT couples therapy.

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Elizabeth Earnshaw
The Power of Emotionally Focused Therapy: Transforming Relationships

As human beings, our emotional well-being often depends heavily on the quality of our relationships. Whether it's our significant other, family members, or close friends, the way we connect with others can have a profound impact on our overall happiness and life satisfaction. That's where Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) comes into play – a powerful therapeutic approach that aims to transform relationships by tapping into our deepest emotions.

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Elizabeth Earnshaw
The Power Of Discernment Therapy

Life is full of choices. Some decisions we make have little consequence, but others shape the course of our lives in significant ways. Deciding whether or not to end a relationship is one of those decisions. That's where discernment therapy comes in.

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Elizabeth Earnshaw
When seeking closure is really about anxiety

Breakups are emotionally draining, leaving us with a myriad of unanswered questions, unresolved emotions, and lingering doubts. It's this uncertainty that fuels anxiety and ignites the need for closure. Anxiety thrives on uncertainty, demanding answers to questions like, "What went wrong?" or "Why did this happen?" Seeking closure becomes a way to alleviate anxiety and gain a sense of control over the situation, allowing for emotional healing to begin.

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Elizabeth Earnshaw
Tis the Season to be Kinder to Yourself

It may not be the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. In fact, it is quite common for difficult feelings to peak during this season. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of people reported feeling an increase in stress associated with financial pressure, family gatherings and increased obligations around the holidays.

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"No matter what I say, it's always wrong" : The Double Bind

Double binds are intricate and often emotionally charged communication situations that can leave individuals feeling perplexed and anxious. They occur when conflicting messages are conveyed, causing uncertainty in the recipient about which message to believe. What makes double binds particularly challenging is that, regardless of the response chosen, it often seems to be the wrong one. Let's explore this concept further through the lens of Olivia's experience with her mother.

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