“Marriage is the graduate school of forgiveness.” – Dr. Dave Stoop, Psychologist I was struck the day I heard this quote and haven’t been able to forget it. It implies that your ability to love will be stretched so far in marriage, that you’ll become an expert in forgiveness, on both minor and major issues.Read More
Healthy Relationships
5 Ways You Can Armor Your Child Against Peer Pressure Before it Strikes
Influence is a powerful thing. As a parent, it can also be a nerve-wracking aspect of raising your child. Thoughts of peer pressure and adolescent impulsiveness can weigh heavily on your mind as you watch your child grow more independent and respond to influences you no longer control. Hormones and peer relationships are a headyRead More
The Art of Healthy Confrontation: 8 Steps
Confrontation. It’s one of those words that makes us cringe. The word is often associated with negativity or hostility. We automatically think that confronting someone means aggression, anger, and blame. The Latin root for the word “confront” is confrontari, which means “to stand face to face with.” The ability to work through obstacles – inRead More
Forgiveness
If you bristle at the sound of this word, you’re not alone. The word forgiveness has a negative connotation for many. This image is not helped by phrases such as “forgive and forget.” I don’t think it’s realistic for us to ever completely forget painful situations. Forgetting would require that little gadget from the movieRead More
Boundaries: Where I End and You Begin
Just how “free” do you feel in your relationships? My work centers on people who are in some form of emotional pain – anger, anxiety, sadness or guilt. This is due to either current circumstances or past emotional injuries that have not healed. Most often, my clients seek help for what is ultimately a relationalRead More
5 Ways to Revitalize Your Troubled Relationship
The reality of every day is that romantic relationships go through ups and downs that can leave us feeling defeated and lonely. But there is hope. Relationships can heal and love can be revitalized. Put these tried and true methods to the test to mend your troubled relationship. Make time together a priority. Nothing putsRead More
5 Ways You Can Armor Your Child Against Peer Pressure Before it Strikes
Influence is a powerful thing. As a parent, it can also be a nerve-wracking aspect of raising your child. Thoughts of peer pressure and adolescent impulsiveness can weigh heavily on your mind as you watch your child grow more independent and respond to influences you no longer control. Hormones and peer relationships are a headyRead More
Surviving the Good Times and the Bad
“Marriage is the graduate school of forgiveness.” – Dr. Dave Stoop, Psychologist I was struck the day I heard this quote and haven’t been able to forget it. It implies that your ability to love will be stretched so far in marriage, that you’ll become an expert in forgiveness, on both minor and major issues.Read More
Have You Heard Yourself Lately? 5 Signs of Healthy Self-Esteem
You self-worth is more important than your net worth. – Anonymous I had a weekend full of celebrations last month, including my niece’s 12th birthday and 6th grade graduation. Her parents are quite proud of how well she’s done in school and we all can’t wait to see what she does in middle school! AfterRead More
Can You Take the Heat?
The weather is heating up, and summer vacations often mean more time with extended family. The last post examined boundaries as a way of defining where you end and another person begins. Healthy relationships allow you the emotional freedom to be a separate person with your own ideas, along with the ability to make choicesRead More