Communication and Boundaries in Intimate Relationships (Part 2 of 3)

Senior Couple Relaxing At Home

Last time we reviewed how intimate relationships form and how in the glow of a new relationship habits can form that inhibit the development of good boundaries and effective communication. This time we will look at how to develop good boundaries. Developing good boundaries in an intimate relationship requires being able to stand apart from ourselves and the relationship and see the big picture. We used to call this process. developing the observing ego. This means developing the part of ourselves that isn’t entangled in all of the projection and introjection that we do to protect ourselves … [Read more...]

Communication and Boundaries in Intimate Relationships (Part 1 of 3)

Communication and Boundaries in Intimate Relationships

We fall in love and decide that this is the one! This is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.  It’s wonderful, magical and a truly wonderful time in life.  As we proceed in the relationship the magic continues as we get to know each other better and share more of ourselves with the other.  We find that we have much in common and over time finish each other’s sentences….know each other’s thoughts.  There is often a feeling of merging with the other….we are one. As time passes the pressures of everyday life begin to impinge on the relationship and how we cope with those … [Read more...]

Redefining LOVE

love

Love is in the air...and we continue to gently and lovingly confront many social stigmas, from therapy is only for "those" people with issues to Valentine's day is only for couples! :) In honor of this month of LOVE, we ask... What is your passion in life? How are you living your life in alignment with that passion?             (Or how can you be in closer alignment?) Which qualities do you LOVE about yourself? Which qualities within yourself are you willing to embrace with more sensitivity and acceptance? What fears or past residue block love in your life and need to be … [Read more...]

When It May Be Time for Couples Therapy…

couple beach

"Love is like a butterfly. Hold it too loose and it will fly away. Hold it too tight and it will crush." ~ Midnight Train "Don't smother each other.  No one can grow in the shade." ~ Leo Buscaglia Relationships are challenging.  When the conflicts outweigh the joy, connection feels like just a memory, or the tension impacts the children in more and more unhealthy ways....it may be time to consider couples therapy.  On the flip side, many couples decide to seek pre-marital counseling from a preventative standpoint to prepare for a life-long union and build a healthy, supportive, … [Read more...]