Why Seeing a Therapist Early in your new relationship can Be a Game-Changer
Starting a committed relationship is such an exciting time, full of dreams about the future. Whether you’re a cisgender heterosexual couple or a polyamorous queer triad, building a strong foundation from the beginning can make a huge difference in how your relationship unfolds. One often overlooked tool in this process is therapy. It’s not just for fixing problems but can be incredibly useful when things are going well, too. Let’s dive into how seeking therapy early on can benefit both traditional and non-traditional relationships, and what potential challenges you might face.
How Do You Listen?
I’ve been thinking about what it means to listen. Listening is a form of active engagement which I think is different from hearing. Hearing is physiological. Hearing is a passive and automatic sensory process. If we have the privilege to hear, we don’t control it. Listening is an active and intentional process. It involves paying conscious attention to the sounds we hear, interpreting them, and understanding their meaning. Listening requires focus, cognitive engagement, and often emotional involvement. It's a deliberate action that goes beyond mere auditory perception to include processing and comprehension. We don’t have to have the physiological function to hear in order to listen.
Deciding When to Seek Help from a Sex Therapist: Let’s Talk About It
Navigating sexual issues can be challenging, as a couple’s therapist I’ve worked with people who have had challenges deepening their intimacy within their relationship. Seeking help from a therapist trained in the nuances of sex can offer valuable support and guidance. Even if you’re not in a relationship, issues of intimacy, sexual expression or trauma might be impacting how you feel about yourself as you’re trying to get close to others.
Ugh! I am having problems talking to my kid! Ways to improve communication with children and teens
Improving communication with children and teens is essential for fostering healthy relationships and supporting their development. It is not easy to do with busy schedules, long work days and long commutes. There are not enough hours in the day to be the kind of parent we want to be. And let’s be real, sometimes our kids get on our nerves! Especially when they are having growth spurts or when teens are going through the individuation process (when they begin to get a sense of themselves in the world separate from you) they can be hard to talk with. Here are some strategies that can help enhance communication:
Building Stronger Foundations: Working with Children and their Families
Family dynamics play a critical role in shaping a child's behavior and development. The family is often considered the primary social unit where children first learn about relationships, communication, and values. Children are highly influenced by the interactions and relationships within their families, and these dynamics can either promote healthy or problematic behaviors. For instance, a supportive and nurturing family environment can lead to positive behaviors in children, fostering qualities like empathy, cooperation, and self-confidence. Conversely, a family with a high level of conflict, neglect, or inconsistency can contribute to behavioral problems, such as aggression, anxiety, or poor social skills.
Engagement
The engagement period can be an exciting and transformative time for a new couple. While experiences and feelings can vary among couples, here are some common aspects of what the engagement period might feel like.
Preparing for Marriage or Long-Term Partnership
Discover the key to a lasting relationship and a brighter future with premarital/long-term union counseling. Learn the essential skills and gain valuable insights needed to navigate communication, conflict resolution, and shared values. Explore the often overlooked subjects like financial planning, family dynamics, and legal considerations. Lay a strong foundation for your future together and reduce the likelihood of divorce or separation. Find out why proactive engagement and open dialogue are crucial in building resilient and enduring partnerships. Start your journey towards a successful and fulfilling marriage or long-term commitment today.