We show up for our loved ones all the time in all kinds of ways. We bring sick friends soup and grieving friends casseroles. We create safe spaces for loved ones to share their most tender thoughts and feelings. We attend weddings and funerals. We listen. We try to be
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Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger May 4, 2019
When you’re doing the same things day in and day out, when your to-do list is a mile long, when it feels like there isn’t a spare minute, it’s easy for every day to blend into the next, and become a blur of work, chores, and email. It’s easy to
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger May 2, 2019
Each of us has preconceived notions about everything—beliefs that are shaped by our society, pop culture, and the people closest to us. And therapy is no exception. In fact, because there’s so little information on therapy, we tend to hold a lot of beliefs about what we think goes on.
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger April 26, 2019
Healthy relationships shouldn’t take much work. And if they do, it’s time to go our separate ways. We must be compatible. If we need therapy, our relationship is already doomed. My partner is supposed to know what I want, and what I need. Healthy couples never argue, because fighting ruins
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger April 3, 2019
You know your friend is struggling with depression or anxiety or some other mental health issue, but you don’t know what to say. You feel like anything you think about saying just sounds stupid and patronizing. You also aren’t sure what to do. After all, you don’t want to intrude.
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger March 31, 2019
You see a Facebook post with a picture that immediately gives you pause and—as cliché as it sounds—your stomach plummets. It’s your close friends at a party, and you’re not there, because you weren’t invited. Or maybe you get to work, and everyone is talking about the cool event they
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger March 26, 2019
How often do you find yourself wondering if you may have simply misunderstood the context or meaning of a text message? Most people are pretty adept at transmitting factual information – names, dates, numbers – to one another. But how about your feelings, wishes, understanding, concerns and decisions? That’s when
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Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger March 21, 2019
When you’re a people pleaser, setting boundaries can feel painful. We worry we’ll hurt someone’s feelings. We fear we’ll fracture the relationship. We think saying no is rude or cruel or not compassionate—and we see ourselves as the opposite of these things. And we simply don’t have much practice with
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger March 20, 2019
When you take someone’s anger-provoking behavior personally, you feel offended and disrespected. Your reaction to your uncomfortable feelings is either to defend yourself or to submit passively to what the other person seems to think of you. Either way, you view the other person’s behavior as a literal, serious, personal
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger March 19, 2019
To sustain an intimate relationship, we must be able to communicate with one another. Our communication needs to go beyond the events of the day to truthful, heartfelt conversation that explores feelings and issues within and affecting the relationship. Much of what passes for communication in daily life is far
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger March 19, 2019