If you are a caregiver who has discovered your child is self-injuring and you are unsure of the next steps, this article is for you. You are already doing the right thing by learning and asking questions. Especially in a situation where you may feel afraid or even a little bit frustrated and helpless.
Starting therapy, whether it is for the first time or revisiting after a long pause, is a venture which requires courage. The decision to seek support is often the hardest step, but once that has been made, the next hurdle can feel daunting: finding a therapist. As both a therapist and someone who has been a client, I know this is not always a straightforward journey. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and the therapist who is the right fit for you may not be the right fit for someone else. Finding a therapist who feels like a good match is one of the most important parts of your journey toward healing and growth.
Having a conversation is about so much more than exchanging information with someone. Mastering the art of conversation involves practice and intention. We live in an era where digital communication often overshadows face-to-face interactions. This does not mean that face-to-face interactions have become any less important. Despite our impressive technological advancements, face-to-face communication remains the best way to foster deep connections and trust with others. In this article, we will discuss six essential skills that will help you improve your conversational skills so you can deepen your relationships and increase your social confidence.
Communication is the foundation of all relationships, whether personal or professional. When communication breaks down, it takes down the relationship with it. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationships expert, discusses four toxic communication patterns that often lead to the eroding of relationships. He coined these communication patterns as the “Four Horsemen” to emphasize just how destructive they can be. These “Four Horsemen” are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.
Communication is the foundation of all relationships, whether personal or professional. When communication breaks down, it takes down the relationship with it. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationships expert, discusses four toxic communication patterns that often lead to the eroding of relationships. He coined these communication patterns as the “Four Horsemen” to emphasize just how destructive they can be. These “Four Horsemen” are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.
I am passionate about the power and potential of coaching to uncover what makes individuals extraordinary in their personal and professional life. As a self-development coach, I help people catapult to the next level of success, whether it is in their personal or professional life. I help clients through their life transitions by asking questions to turn your thoughts in a new direction. People ask me questions all the time about what a life coach is, so when Scott asked me to be on his podcast, I felt it was a good opportunity to answer the ones he thought as important questions.
Meditation can be a valuable practice for those navigating the challenges of depression. It creates an opportunity to gently reconnect with yourself, helping you work through overwhelming emotions and negative thought patterns that are often associated with depression. It also promotes mindfulness, which allows you to cultivate an awareness of the present moment. In turn, this helps you to detach from the cycles of negative thinking and anxiety. Additionally, meditation promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and increases a non-judgmental approach to your emotional experiences. If you are struggling with depression, meditation can become a source of comfort and stability, and it can guide you through challenging times while allowing you to build long-term resilience. Whether you are experienced or new to meditation, incorporating the following seven strategies into your practice can enhance its benefits for you.
So, your teen has come out to you as trans, bisexual, pansexual, gay or another queer identity and you are wondering how to support them. The good news is you have already completed the first step. You are seeking resources and learning. Some caregivers experience anxiety when their teen comes out to them. Some caregivers may not understand what a “coming out” process is. Some caregivers may experience an internal battle over conflicting morals if they come from a religious background or culture in which LGTBQ+ identities are met with violence or political prosecution. Other times, not knowing how to respond when your teen comes out may be due to not understanding why it is such a “big deal.” "Haven't things gotten better for queer kids”? may be a thought that crosses your mind. Or your teens are closed at school and struggling with self-harm, depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges and you are unsure of how to help, while wanting to respect their privacy and confidentiality.
The only thing worse than watching your kiddo wrestle with big feelings is feeling unable to help them in those moments. Emotional regulation is one of the most vital skills developed in early life. It is crucial for helping children manage their feelings and reactions in healthy ways. Down the road, it will shape their relationships, their behaviour, and overall well-being. This is a skill which develops over time and the good news is there are ways for parents and caregivers to support children on this journey toward emotional resilience!
Simply put, a boundary is a line meant to keep things separate. In the context of relationships and mental health, boundaries help to distinguish us from others in a way that fosters respectful connection with one another, while protecting our emotional and psychological wellbeing. Our boundaries help us outline what our limits are and demonstrate our self-respect.
