John Gottman categorizes relationships into five types, three of which represent happy relating, and two representing unhappy relating. After decades of data collection on real, live couples, Gottman suggests that…
Read moreThe Intersection of Distorted Thinking and Mood
Anxiety and depression can result from and also contribute to distorted thinking. This, in turn, effects how we show up in our relationships. There is a chicken and egg quality…
Read moreCommunication Continuums; Wrapping it up – Part 5 of 5
We have looked at three different continuums of communication and engagement, conceptualized by the wife and husband therapist team, Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson. Let’s delve a little deeper into…
Read moreCommunication Continuums; Engagement – Part 4 of 5
Continuing on in our series of blog posts on the different continuums of communication, another way to assess your relationship is along the lines of how engaged each of you…
Read moreCommunication Continuums; the Inquirer – Part 3 of 5
The role of the Inquirer is to be an effective listener. In doing so, you are inquiring into your partner’s world. The inquirer needs to: Listen calmly and actively and…
Read moreCommunication Continuums; the Initiator – Part 2 of 5
Let’s look more deeply at the role of the initiator, the person who is interested in exploring a complaint, frustration or something that may be weighing on them. The initiator…
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