Sometimes changing ourselves means changing how we relate to other people. Yes, we can experience a lot of growth in individual therapy. That said, one of the most powerful tools we have for improved relationships is group therapy. Group therapy works really well for clients who intellectually understand why they pull away from people they […]
At first glance, kindness and people pleasing can look almost identical. They can appear like showing up for others. Both can look like generosity, flexibility, and care. They also both often include saying “yes,” being accommodating, and trying to make things easier for the people around us. Yet, many of us have had the experience […]
Most people feel hurt when they experience criticism or rejection. That response is human and expected. After all, we are wired to care about connection and belonging. Yet, for some people, the emotional impact of rejection feels even more intense. For example, a small piece of feedback, a delayed response, or a subtle shift in […]
At the core of every healthy relationship lies connection, honesty, and repair. It sounds easier than it is sometimes. When we’re stressed or triggered, even the most loving couples can fall into old patterns of criticizing, shutting down, clinging, or pulling away. Relational Life Therapy (RLT), developed by psychotherapist and author Terry Real, is a […]
Couples therapy is an evolving field. While there are several popular models and methods therapists use to help partners move beyond conflict into deeper connection, a few years ago, Nashville Psych’s Dr. Mark Simpson was drawn to a newer approach called Relational Life Therapy. Historically, in couples work, Dr. Simpson has drawn on multiple modalities, […]
The holidays bring a wide range of feelings, many of which are positive. Yet, for many of us, this season can bring up emotional fatigue, social burnout, and guilt. Between family obligations, travel, work parties, and in many cases, unrealistic expectations to stay cheerful, our emotional energy can quickly drain. Emotional exhaustion is what happens […]