Two people trying to make a decision together in a collaborative way can be challenging. It might be stressful for either person or both to take a stance on an issue or to formulate their own opinion. It can be especially challenging to collaborate with a partner if one partner tends to try to make the other person feel badly or to back them down for not agreeing with them.

Let’s consider why people become agreeable to their partner’s wants vs. collaborating with them.

It might make you laugh, but it also might ring true. Sometimes we do want or even try to control our partners (and others). It’s not a problem to want to control someone or to want to have control. As it is not a problem to want to go on a shopping spree or to want to play video games all day. We can want what we want; we have to decide whether or not acting on our wants will be helpful or not for us (and to consider how it might impact others)…

When you think of couples therapy, you might think of two people in a relationship coming together with a therapist to work through their issues. However, the couple starting couples therapy might think (or at least hope) that their therapy is about fixing their partner—and once their partner gets fixed their troubles will be over. While it might be nice to think that we ourselves are flawless, the reality is that usually both partners play a role in their relationship problems…

Have you wondered why it can be so hard to keep our goals? Are we just not motivated enough? Does someone have it out to sabotage our incredible plans for change? Are we getting in our own way?

This is not another “how to” blog on how to achieve your goals. I’m here to help you think differently about the roadblocks that keep you from making progress with your goals. Hopefully, you will get some clarity into yourself which can help you make changes to reach your aspirations.

Are you stressed out about socializing this holiday season? Maybe you are looking forward to social gatherings, but you are worried about talking with people. Or maybe you wish that you didn’t have to talk with anyone or even show up at a holiday party. Although many hope that holiday gatherings are fun and magical, sometimes they can feel disconnecting and overwhelming. Figuring out how to deal with the anxiety you may feel at social gatherings can set you up for a better holiday experience…