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While there is still some stigma about struggling with mental health issues, the statistics speak for themselves and the resounding reality is that when it comes to anxiety disorders, you are not alone. Around 40 million adults across the US are affected, which is about 18% of the population – nearly one in five of us. Don’t suffer in silence Whatever the overarching cause, be it a genetic propensity or life events, and possibly both, the fact…
You have probably watched a movie where the main romantic protagonists declare that they could “never be just friends: because their romantic feelings are simply too strong. However, what is rarely touched on in the cinematic world of ‘happily ever after’ is that while lovers may not want to be friends, friendship is a vital part of any loving relationship. Drama can be drab A solid relationship base of friendship may not seem as dynamic as the…
While it is good to talk in a relationship, communication is a two way stream – when you are not expressing what you think and feel then you need to be listening. However, in relationships it is easy to feel that your words are falling on plugged ears or that you have to shout to be heard. Dialogue can dry up or turn into a diatribe of shouting matches with both sides playing the blame and accusation…
Busy schedules, growing families, demanding careers, and changing priorities can quietly pull friendships to the background. Questions about how to maintain friendships as an adult often surface during life transitions such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or becoming a parent. Connections that once felt effortless can begin to require more intention. At Symmetry Counseling, conversations about adult friendships come up often in therapy. Romantic relationships, parenting, and work responsibilities all matter, but…
Joined at the hip, two peas in a pod, stuck together like glue; when couples first fall in love, the time they spend together can be intense both emotionally and in terms of the physical time spent together. As time goes by, however, this bond can turn into co-dependence and create a feeling of being stuck in a rut. Whether you are in the first bloom of a blossoming romance or are way down the path of…
When communication breaks down between a couple, the relationship can become incredibly painful, confusing and even destructive. The key to communicating effectively is to be able to verbalize how you feel and what you think. The challenge is to do so without loading conversations with complaints, criticisms, accusations or put-downs. Communicating for Relationship Success When you want to be open and air any grievances, or you want to tackle a problem that is bothering you, it helps…
When you are a child there is a natural order of things; adults set the rules while brothers and sisters vie for their place, creating a familial hierarchy and chain of command. But what happens when you grow up and become part of a couple? You now have a blend of different family members in your lives and it is not always obvious what roles, responsibilities, and relationships everyone will respond to or take on. To achieve…
Ask most people what they want in life, and they will probably tell you they just want to be happy. Happiness tends to be something we all seek. But what exactly is it? Of course, like many things in life, happiness will always mean different things to different people. It could depend on their culture, upbringing, or emotional background. Because of this, it can be hard to pin down a definition of happiness. That being said, we…
People change, situations and circumstances change, and relationships change; life is an evolving journey where change is inevitable. And while change is ideally approached by welcoming it with open arms, the fallout from life can sometimes cause the acceptance of change to be a painful and difficult challenge. This is especially true following a breakup. A million ways to say goodbye Married couples who’ve been wed for decades, long-term partners, and even fiery flings; relationships are varied…
Love is in the air with thousands of brides and grooms exchanging vows today, promising an everlasting union. Some will make it, many won’t. Once the wedding party is over and the honeymoon tan faded, relationship reality bites; and for nearly half of all married couples their future has divorce written all over it. As nearlyweds it can be easy to get carried away planning dream nuptials, however making Mr. and Mrs. last longer is about focusing…