See the posts below and/or check out our blog on Psychology Today.
The Most Effective Couples Therapy, by Far
No approach compares in research support to Emotionally Focused Therapy. Does Couples Therapy Actually Work? One of the first questions we hear from new clients is, “Does couples therapy really work?” The honest answer is: it depends. Not all types of couples therapy are equally effective. At Heart of the Matter Therapy, we use Emotionally…
Keep reading
5 Ways to Be a Better Partner
What does it mean to be a mindful partner? Originally published on my Psychology Today Blog, Mindful Relationships We hear a lot about the benefits of mindfulness, which can be thought of as relating to the environment or oneself with nonjudgmental, present-moment awareness. But, can we relate in this mindful way to others in our lives…
Keep reading
Improve Your Health Through Mindful Relationships
Mindful relationships are associated with better physical health. Originally published on my Psychology Today Blog, Mindful Relationships You may have heard that those who are happily married are more likely to have better physical health, and even lower mortality risk, than those who are not married or in unhappy relationships. That’s because marital conflict creates biological stress,…
Keep reading
How to Calm Your Partner Down in Conflict
Practice mindful partnering to be better at conflict. Originally published on my Psychology Today Blog, Mindful Relationships That hot-button issue comes up yet again in your relationship. All of a sudden, your partner is angry, and the conversation is completely off the rails. A tiny trigger such as the dishes or talking about plans for…
Keep reading
How to Handle Political Differences in Your Relationships
Turn the volume up on curiosity, and turn it down on defensiveness. We are tied to our beliefs, and the more opposition we run up against, often, the stronger these beliefs become. How do you feel when someone implies that your political beliefs are “wrong?” If you’re like most people, it fuels the fire within…
Keep reading
Mindful Relationships May Be Key to Mental Health
Research points to the importance of focusing on your relationships. Originally published on my Psychology Today Blog, Mindful Relationships Ever wonder what might underlie and predict the differences between those who live full, satisfying lives and those who can’t seem to break out of their struggle into old age? The results of the longest-running longitudinal…
Keep reading
How to Make Anger Work for Your Relationship
Learn how to use your anger to help, not hurt, your relationship. Originally published on my Psychology Today Blog, Mindful Relationships The emotion of anger exists for good reason. You’ve evolved to feel it, as it activates your fight-or-fight response to threats—which kept your ancestors safe when fighting predators off was a necessary survival skill.…
Keep reading