Expressing empathy feels particularly hard right now!

“In order to empathize with your experience, I must be willing to believe you as you see your experience and not how I imagine your experience to be.” Brené Brown All my survival instincts are on high alert and every possible transgression, thoughtless action or selfish choice kicks me into a level of outrage that […]

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Growing Empathy for Men in Group Therapy

In an earlier article “Why Group Therapy for Men: 5 Benefits,” I wrote about how working with other men in a group context can be beneficial. The article raised some questions from readers: one reader said: “Ok, I’m interested but what are the mechanics of this?  How does that actually happen? Another asked “what is […]

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One Couple Navigating the Relationship Cycle

Joshua sat on the park bench, watching the golden leaves drift to the ground. Beside him, Brianna gazed at the quiet lake, her fingers entwined with his. It was peaceful now, but they both knew their love had weathered storms. Love was never just a straight path—it was a cycle, a relationship journey. The Romance […]

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The Minimizer/Maximizer Dance

The Imago Dance: Understanding Relationship Dynamics Imago Theory, developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, provides a relational framework that examines how childhood experiences shape adult relationships. At the heart of this theory lies the dynamic interplay between minimizers and maximizers, creating a unique relational dance that can either lead to misunderstanding or become a […]

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SHRINKING:  Jimmy or Paul

The Apple TV+ series “Shrinking” is a delightful clash of therapy styles, where chaos meets control. On one side, you have Jimmy (Jason Segel), a grieving therapist who decides that traditional methods are for suckers. Instead, he dives headfirst into his clients’ lives—inviting one to crash in his pool house and even interrupting a date […]

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Happy Holler-Daze!

I don’t know about you, but I feel the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is complicated. A friend of mine refers to this time of the year as the holler-daze! So, what should a relational peep do when so much fills the space between us?! Holidays, family time, geo-politics – all these create […]

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Relationship Grief Group Holiday

Relationship Grief Group Widowed, Divorced, And Break-Up Holiday Support Group Experience the power of connection in a holiday support group for individuals who have ended, lost or left a relationship. . What to expect: Take this opportunity to explore your emotions while giving and receiving support on a journey with a group during the holidays. […]

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Conquering the Comparing Mind with Imago

Although what rested at the bottom of my cup was not “guilt” so much
as “shame.” Shame. This has meant for me a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation that I was liable to say exactly the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. From an early age I felt different than others. I perceived myself as usually less than, less popular, less successful, less socially graceful.

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Empathic Relationships: Prioritizing Serving over Fixing and Helping

During challenging relationship times, it is essential to explore ways to enhance connection and communication.  Changing our mindset and approach away from fixing and helping can catalyze a move toward a safer place. Examining on fixing and helping offers insight into ongoing relationship struggles.  Fixing suggests something amiss, possibility in how our partner handled the […]

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5 Things You Can Do to Create Connection

Do things to be consciously connected to each other. It’s amazing how your relationship will transform.

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