It seems that we're more and more connected to each other online these days with online relationships starting to become even more important than face-to-face relationships. Some new research supports this by saying that young Generation X adults are as likely to connect online with friends, family and co-workers as they are in person. The … [Read more...] about Do You Make These 7 Online Communication Mistakes?
Effective Communication
Couple Conflict: How to Resolve Recurring Arguments and Create Win-Win Outcomes
This is one of my favourite relationship quotes. If you can't see the image above, it says, "You Can be RIGHT or you can be in RELATIONSHIP". I'm not sure who said it or where it comes from, but I like it because it really captures the dilemma that many couples find themselves in. And this doesn't just apply to couple communication. It's also … [Read more...] about Couple Conflict: How to Resolve Recurring Arguments and Create Win-Win Outcomes
Couple Communication: The Value of a Gottman Soft Start-up
Some of my most popular posts are on communication. Why is that? I think it's because we know that communication is one of those things that all of us can seek to improve. Communication is also something that, when changed, can have immediate and positive benefits on your relationship. The Gottmans are famous for their world-renowned research … [Read more...] about Couple Communication: The Value of a Gottman Soft Start-up
Communication Basics: 7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Relationship
There are so many books and articles written about how to communicate effectively, that it can often be overwhelming to know what to believe or even what works. I've distilled down some of the most important factors couples need to focus on to improve their communication and relationship. My ideas are based on my observations of working with … [Read more...] about Communication Basics: 7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Relationship
The Power of Giving and Receiving Love
I recently volunteered for a charity day called Help-Portrait, which I found to be a surprisingly moving experience. This got me thinking about the power of giving and receiving love in our relationships- and the difficulties many people have with this. This post explores the joys and challenges of giving and receiving love in intimate … [Read more...] about The Power of Giving and Receiving Love
3 Most Common Couple Communication Problems [Video]
In this short video, I describe what I see are the 3 most common couple communication problems that I see in my work with couples. I also give you 3 tips to avoid these communication issues in your relationship. Here's a written summary of the most common couple communication problems: 1. Couples that don't reflect on the message they are … [Read more...] about 3 Most Common Couple Communication Problems [Video]
The Disturbing Effects of Technology on Your Relationships
Technology in our lives is exponentially growing in the amount of time we use it and what parts of our lives are helped by it. Technology has made our lives easier, helped us be more effective in our work and allowed us to connect with friends, family and colleagues across the world. However, often with rapid change, there is a cost. And far too … [Read more...] about The Disturbing Effects of Technology on Your Relationships
10 Steps Towards Mastering Assertiveness in Your Relationships
In this post, I flesh out all the components of assertiveness so that you can communicate clearly and effectively. Assertiveness is one of those foundational communication skills required in any successful relationship. There's often a lot of talk about being assertive in your communication, but not many people truly understand the nuances of … [Read more...] about 10 Steps Towards Mastering Assertiveness in Your Relationships
What Classical Music and Successful Relationships Have in Common
Classical music and relationships have a lot in common. Believe it or not, I was a classical musician for close to 20 years before I became a full-time relationship counsellor. I was a trumpet player and performed opera and symphonic music with Australian and international orchestras and managed to see a lot of the world on musical … [Read more...] about What Classical Music and Successful Relationships Have in Common
10 Surefire Ways to Ruin Your Relationship
The title of this post is a little provocative. You may be wondering 'why would I want to know how to ruin a relationship?' While it is helpful to know what does work in a relationship, it is just as helpful to know what does not work. When we know what doesn't work, we can avoid those behaviours and repeat what does work. After many years of … [Read more...] about 10 Surefire Ways to Ruin Your Relationship