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Excitement, chemistry, and late-night conversations often define the beginning of a relationship. Life after the honeymoon phase, however, introduces something different and often more meaningful. As the initial rush settles, space opens for comfort, honesty, and lasting connection. At Symmetry Counseling, we often meet couples who feel concerned when those early sparks soften. Passion changing form does not mean something is wrong. In many relationships, it marks the beginning of intimacy and partnership. Life after the…
Have you ever felt that those closest to you don’t always understand you, or see what you are really feeling inside? Chances are they could be feeling the same. Familiarity can sometimes breed complacency and a lack of recognition when a loved one is suffering emotionally. While a close bond can create synchronicity and a symbiotic understanding of another person, it can also narrow the window of perspective, making it difficult to see beyond what you think…
One minute they are fighting like cats and dogs, the next they are the best of friends- squabbling siblings can put a crack in the happy family picture, turning parents into referees and family time into competitive chaos and causing divisive disputes. So, what to do? While sibling rivalry is all part of the natural process of growing up, adults can help smooth the way for their kids and create a harmonious environment in which each child…
Can you imagine your grandfather sitting down for some cathartic counseling? What about your dad talking about what’s troubling him? We are living in a world where men have been conditioned over generations to believe that a real man copes with his problems alone in a practical way; either that or he buries them deep within. In any case, he doesn’t talk about what’s troubling him or open up emotionally to himself, let alone a counselor. Generations…
As the new school year begins, students prepare themselves for the work and learning ahead of them. The start of the academic year holds the promise of making new friends, delving deeper into a variety of concepts, and applying what they already know to new material. Oftentimes, before the new learning can begin, students need a refresher of what they have already learned. These quick reminders serve to not only trigger memories, but they also give us…
What do you do when you cut your finger? You instinctively reach for the first aid box and apply a little antiseptic cream to stop the injury from getting infected and perhaps stick on a band aid to offer protection until you heal. But what happens when you are in pain on an emotional level? Does your mind react in a similarly defensive way to help you cope? After all, if the body is so amazing at…
Do you remember the nervous excitement of going back to school after the long summer break? Sharpening your pencils the night before with your uniform ready for the big day ahead, butterflies in your stomach? The new school year is a momentous occasion in a child’s life, and can be a stressful time too. As kids launch into school full of new ideas, leaping out the door each morning full of energy, they are bombarded with another…
Think of those old pair of slacks you love to wear when you don’t feel like putting in effort. They’re comfortable, but over time, they become worn and tattered – sometimes without you even noticing. The same can happen with loved ones too. While the deep feeling of enduring companionship with someone you have come to know on so many levels creates a strong bond, we can become so used to our significant other over the years…
Do you ever feel like you and your partner have the same argument over and over again? You have maybe even said something like, “I’m so sick of arguing about this!” during one of these conflicts. Of course, you are not alone. All relationships have their problems, and some are more difficult to resolve than others. At times, it’s a matter of finding a suitable compromise to solve the problem, and with a little time and patience,…
The lonely elderly woman whose home is overrun with cats, the gentleman who cannot throw anything away, and the shopaholic who keeps buying despite rising debts, these are common images that come to mind when we think of hoarding. However, hoarding is far more complex than these stereotypes suggest. Behind closed doors, hoarding disorder is a relatively common mental health condition, affecting an estimated 2-5% of the U.S. population. Understanding what hoarding truly is can help individuals…