As 'spring has sprung', well at least in the Southern Hemisphere, it has got me thinking about spring cleaning. For me, spring cleaning has always been an opportunity to go through all those old cupboards, drawers and wardrobes to clear out the junk, make new space and organise your contents. It's a great feeling when you do this and your life can … [Read more...] about Does Your Relationship Need a Spring Clean?
Effective Communication
Online Dating: 5 Tips to Survive and Find the Mate You Want
I am amazed at how many couples I now see that report to me that their relationship commenced online. It seems that what was once an unusual occurrence is now becoming the norm. Many people prefer the convenience of perusing online profiles rather than standing in noisy bars and clubs to meet potential partners. I have seen many couples that … [Read more...] about Online Dating: 5 Tips to Survive and Find the Mate You Want
How to Navigate the End of a Relationship on Facebook
More and more we are hearing in the media about relationship problems that involve Facebook. In particular, it seems it is the end of a relationship where interactions can deteriorate on Facebook. In my clinical practice, I am hearing about behaviours such as jealousy, spying, cyber-stalking, public shaming, open hostility and conflict being … [Read more...] about How to Navigate the End of a Relationship on Facebook
How to Close the Door on Your Relationship Exits
One of the patterns I have noticed in the couples I have been working with lately is that they engage in 'relationship exits'. A relationship exit can be described as when one partner acts out their feelings instead of communicating about what is happening for them in a way that is respectful and promotes connection rather than disconnection. Any … [Read more...] about How to Close the Door on Your Relationship Exits
5 Tips to Avoid Relationship Breakdown on Social Media
Time and time again in my clinical practice, I am coming across clients who report relationship breakdown because of problems in communication related to social media. These include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media websites. It seems that relationships sometimes begin and end via the 160 characters of a text message or tweet. … [Read more...] about 5 Tips to Avoid Relationship Breakdown on Social Media
Are Your Relationship Needs Aligned With Your Relationship Vision?
In my last post I wrote about developing a relationship vision, either with your partner, or if you are single, developing a vision of the type of relationship you would like to create in the future. The benefits of this are that you can become clearer about what your personal goals are, and together you can form relationship goals that you create, … [Read more...] about Are Your Relationship Needs Aligned With Your Relationship Vision?
Can You See Your Relationship Vision?
After a week of incredible dust storms in Sydney and the problems we all had with our vision (and breathing!), it got me thinking about the difficulties we sometimes have with our vision in relationships. In my relationship counselling work with singles and couples, I often hear statements such as, "I just fell into this relationship and found … [Read more...] about Can You See Your Relationship Vision?
4 Steps Towards Meeting Your Relationship Needs
As I continue to reflect on my couple counselling sessions, the prevalent theme of emotional distress in couples beckons a deeper exploration into the roots of relationship pain. Among the myriad of factors, unmet needs stand out as a recurring source of anguish. While the prospect of having our needs met is a fundamental allure of … [Read more...] about 4 Steps Towards Meeting Your Relationship Needs