Articles
Empathy Explained: Why It Matters and How to Cultivate It
There is nothing as comforting as knowing that you are being understood or seen in a conversation or interaction. The ability for others to share or perceive our emotions is called empathy. It is fair to say that empathy is an integral part of our interactions that allows us to connect deeply with others and respond with compassion. Without empathy, one would not know how to respond in conversations or how to hold the space for someone going through a difficult time. Different types of empathy People can experience empathy in different ways. Consider the following list: Cognitive empathy This is [...]
I Hear You: Guidelines for Active Listening and Effective Communication
In our world, there is no lack of chatter in the public sphere. Our headlines are characterized by opposing viewpoints and the clash of wills and agendas. While there is nothing wrong with having differences of opinion or experience, it seems that our society lacks civility in expressing our thoughts while demonstrating respect for others through active listening. We need not be deceived into thinking that this only fuels around the time for elections and political contests, but it shows itself in our interpersonal communication and connections. Regularly, we see evidence of people elevating a sense of rightness. We categorize people [...]
Overcoming the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
There is likely no more vulnerable time in a person’s life than when they are a child. When we are young, we are impressionable, lacking experience, resilience, and the necessary coping skills to deal with difficult circumstances. This is the time of life when we most need to be sheltered and nurtured. However, for many children, this is when they have adverse childhood experiences whose impact may linger for the rest of their lives. Many circumstances can lead to a child having traumatic experiences, and the more a child experiences trauma, the harder it will be for them to overcome the [...]
Finding Help for ADHD Symptoms
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of children and adults in the US. The ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) diagnosis is now included in ADHD even without the hyperactivity present. ADHD symptoms interfere with daily living and, in extreme cases, quality of life. ADHD diagnosed in childhood ADHD is typically diagnosed during childhood. Parents and teachers begin to notice the behavior between the ages of three and seven. Some children may be in their preteen or teen years before noticing their behavior is causing problems with their peers. The issue with diagnosing young children based [...]
Obstacles to Intimacy in Marriage: Reconnecting with Your Spouse
One of the keys to success in marriage is maintaining intimacy. Intimacy is about connection, being and feeling understood by the other person. When two people understand each other, and couple it with mutual appreciation and compassion, it makes for a rich and dynamic relationship. The difficulty with intimacy is that it can be hard to maintain, as many obstacles interfere with maintaining intimacy. Before exploring the obstacles that undermine intimacy in marriage, it’s helpful to firstly understand the facets of intimacy. They present themselves differently in each relationship, but keeping an eye on deepening intimacy in these areas will help [...]
Relationship Conflicts: When Not to Apologize
We are often conditioned at an early age to apologize quickly, sometimes even unnecessarily, such as when we accidentally bump into someone at the grocery store. While apologizing can be a polite gesture, are we always sincere? Insincere apologies can be counterproductive and can create even greater relationship conflict. They are often transparent and can undermine trust in the relationship and fail to address the underlying issues. The Bible emphasizes the importance of sincere apologies and genuine repentance. Proverbs 28:13 states, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” When we wrong [...]
12 Key Benefits of Couples Counseling
When two people develop an intimate bond and relationship with each other, the road before them isn’t always paved smoothly. There are challenges in any relationship, and even when the couple love each other deeply, without skills to help them navigate those difficulties, they may not thrive. Whether or not you and your partner are going through a difficult season, couples counseling can help to strengthen your relationship. Couples counseling explained A simple way to understand the nature of couples counseling is to think of it as a specific type of therapy that addresses romantic relationships and their dynamics. Romantic relationships [...]
Recognizing OCD Symptoms
Most people recognize the classic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms such as over-cleaning, extreme handwashing, and perfectly organized cabinets. However, there are lesser-known OCD symptoms that require attention because OCD, if left untreated, can hurt all areas of a person’s life. What is OCD? Most people have heard of OCD. Sometimes it is described in jest when someone is organized beyond the norm or insists on a sterile environment. However, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a serious mental health condition that can derail a person’s life. The symptoms of which need to be addressed promptly and by a professional. But what causes OCD behavior? [...]
The Negative Effects of a Passive-Aggressive Communication Style
Have you ever been in a situation where you are talking with someone, and while their words were saying one thing, everything else was sending a different message? Their words may seem friendly, but you cannot seem to shake the feeling that they are setting traps for you. There seems to be hidden layers of meaning behind their words. There are several different communication styles through which people express themselves. These styles include aggressive, passive, assertive, and passive-aggressive. Each of these communication styles has its respective strengths and weaknesses. This article will address the negative effects of a passive-aggressive communication style. [...]