Abandonment in early childhood can have profound effects on adult relationships, particularly in terms of attachment and trust. When parents or primary caregivers are inconsistent in their presence and support, it creates a deep-seated insecurity in children, which often manifests later in life....
Trust is a multifaceted concept, essential in all relationships, particularly in the context of infidelity. Understanding the anatomy of trust is crucial in the journey of rebuilding it. Trust isn't a monolithic entity; it's more like a mosaic, composed of various elements that, when combined,...
Navigating through life with a partner who displays narcissistic tendencies can be a challenging and often isolating journey. The journey often begins with a sense of being elevated by the partner, only to later feel muted and unheard, as if their voice has been lost. This trajectory isn't...
Listening is so important. When someone doesn't listen, you don't feel like you're even there, or at least you don't feel like you're in the relationship. Without listening, there is no connection. And that's what's so important because everything thrives on being understood.
When we feel...
Shame. It's something we all experience, yet it often makes us feel like something is uniquely wrong with us. I want to provide hope for you that there is a path to freedom from shame.
Shame originates from disconnection and broken relationships. We were designed for unconditional love and...
Bonding, connecting, and attaching with others is foundational for every human being. In our early months and years, we form attachments through being cared for and loved. This lays the groundwork for our ability to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
When babies and young children...
In a world filled with distorted religion and dysfunctional church experiences, what should true, mentally healthy Christian faith really look like? This is an important question to ask ourselves.
A mentally healthy faith stems from a connection to God that provides attachment, meaning, and...
Do you need a reset on boundaries with loved ones? It’s common for boundary issues to creep into even close relationships over time, even when you may have initially set some boundaries, as those boundaries may have eroded over time. Resetting boundaries requires courage and care, but it...
Is your lack of boundaries causing you pain? Unaddressed pain can be a wake-up call, motivating you to set firmer boundaries. Here are some ways to use pain to establish the boundaries you need.
How to Spot Painful Boundary Issues
Physical and emotional symptoms like chronic exhaustion,...
Do you have people in your life who try to control you through guilt, anger, or other manipulation tactics? Most of us deal with controlling behaviors from others at some point. The good news is, you don’t have to acquiesce to controlling demands. You can set boundaries that preserve your...
Addiction, a term so often linked with despair and defeat, can fundamentally redefine our relationships. However, transforming our understanding of addiction from an isolated issue to a system problem is a vital first step towards a successful recovery.
Every addictive environment involves a...
As we navigate life, we often find ourselves taking care of others due to various circumstances. However, it's not uncommon for us to end up in situations where the demands of this caregiving role become so significant and continuous that it starts to take a toll on our well-being, leading to...