Understand Anxiety by Examining Your Core Fears abandonment anxiety assertiveness control failure fear self-esteem worth May 06, 2024

This mental health month, we're going to focus on a number of issues that are affecting too many people. Today, the focus is on anxiety, and particularly on how anxiety is often driven by a response to some of our deepest fears. On the surface, their symptoms and stories seem unique – from...

Continue Reading...
Why You Choose Unsafe People abandonment boundaries character development discernment emotional healing perfectionism relationships spiritual growth support toxic people May 03, 2024

Jessie sat across from me, tears streaming down her face. "I thought this time would be different," she said between sobs. "I really believed he was the one."

After nine failed marriages, Jessie was understandably distraught. She couldn't fathom why she kept ending up with men who hurt her....

Continue Reading...
How to Have More Mature Parent-Child Relationships adult children boundaries communication confrontation difficult conversations emotional maturity family dynamics parent-child relationships personal growth relationships May 01, 2024

 

Recently, a woman in her fifties approached me. "I have a problem with my mother," she said. "She calls me all the time, sometimes more than once a day, and it's very inconvenient for me."

I asked what she'd like to be different. She said she wanted to talk to her mother 2-3 times per...

Continue Reading...
The Myth of the Perfect Marriage companionship couples therapy emotional fulfillment emotional maturity happiness in marriage healthy relationships marital expectations marriage advice marriage counseling needs vs. wishes personal growth realistic expectations relationship challenges relationship goals relationship psychology relationship satisfaction relationship tips self-improvement Apr 29, 2024

John and Denise had been married for 10 years, but Denise was still feeling unhappy and insecure. "When I was single, I was unhappy and insecure. Then I married John and became married, unhappy, and insecure," she told me.

This statement perfectly illustrates a common misconception that many...

Continue Reading...
How to Use Boundaries to Accomplish Your Goals boundaries goal setting personal development productivity self-care stress management time management work-life balance Apr 26, 2024

Do you often find yourself stretched too thin, overwhelmed by commitments, and struggling to make progress on your personal goals? If so, you may need to set better boundaries. Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining your emotional well-being, protecting your time and energy, and...

Continue Reading...
Setting Boundaries with a Narcissist boundaries emotional abuse empowerment manipulation mental health narcissism personal growth relationships self-care toxic relationships Apr 24, 2024

Dealing with a narcissist can be an emotionally draining and challenging experience. Narcissists often disregard personal boundaries, manipulate others to get their way, and leave their victims feeling powerless. However, by understanding the importance of setting boundaries and implementing...

Continue Reading...
Protect Your Time and Energy With Boundaries assertiveness boundaries communication emotional well-being mental health personal growth psychology relationships self-care self-respect Apr 22, 2024

Do you often find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, or feeling like you're constantly giving more than you receive? Boundaries are essential for maintaining your mental health, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring that you have the time and energy to pursue your own goals and dreams.

...

Continue Reading...
Overcoming Rejection: Strategies for Healing and Growth emotional healing fear mental health personal growth rejection relationships resilience self-esteem Apr 19, 2024

Rejection is a painful experience that strikes at the core of our fundamental needs for acceptance and belonging. When faced with rejection, we may feel a deep sense of personal inadequacy, as if there is something inherently wrong with us. However, it is crucial to understand that rejection is...

Continue Reading...
Use Priorities to Spend Your Time and Energy Well boundaries burnout prevention energy management goal setting mental health purposeful living relationships self-care time management Apr 17, 2024

In a world filled with endless opportunities and obligations, it's crucial to identify what truly matters to you. Take a moment to reflect on your values, passions, and long-term goals. Once you have a clear understanding of your priorities, you can begin to allocate your time and energy...

Continue Reading...
Knowing How and When to Ask for Help emotional well-being guidance mental health personal development personal growth relationships self-help self-improvement support systems Apr 15, 2024

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated when facing challenges. However, the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth lies in the power of asking for help. While it may sometimes seem daunting to reach out, seeking support from others is a crucial step in unlocking your full...

Continue Reading...
How to Confront Someone With Authority Over You authority boundaries communication conflict resolution confrontation hierarchy leadership mental health psychology relationships Apr 12, 2024

Authority structures are an integral part of our lives, from the workplace to academic settings and even in religious institutions. While these hierarchies can provide order, clarity, and protection, they can also lead to conflicts when individuals feel the need to confront those in positions of...

Continue Reading...
Dealing With Blame and Defensiveness boundaries communication confrontation consequences defensiveness grace love persistence relationships resistance Apr 10, 2024

Communicating effectively in relationships can be challenging, especially when faced with resistance or defensiveness from the other person. It's natural to feel frustrated or discouraged when attempts to address problems are met with blame, denial, or attacks. However, by approaching these...

Continue Reading...