Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman — Book Summary
In 1990 Martin Seligman released his ground breaking book, Learned Optimism. Since I have occasionally been accused of behaving Pollyannaish or overly optimistic, his work is of interest to me.
communication
Repairing Painful Patterns of Disconnection in Couples
Most of my clients seek individual therapeutic counseling to address stress, anger management, or intrusive thoughts, often stemming from childhood abuse and neglect, or generational trauma. However, I feel a special honor when couples choose to confront their relationship conflicts, disconnection, or dissatisfaction. Disconnection in couples can be repaired. The Pattern of Disconnection in Couples […]
Easy and Powerful Steps to Improve Your Listening Skills
Many people believe they are listening when actually they are not. Basic listening skills only require a commitment, care and a wee bit of practice.
Improve Your Relationship Communication by Listening
How do we begin to listen with empathy, not with apathetic uncaring demeanor nor with smothering, “poor you, pity you” messages? First, we can begin with Stephen Covey’s most quoted phrase of “seek first to understand the other.” It is the seeking that is key to offering our attention and presence.
Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them
Book Summary of Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them In the last several years, clients have increasingly expressed sadness and grief about experiences of family cut offs or estrangement. Dr. Karl Pillemer, author of Fault Lines refers to this dynamic as fractures. Here is a summary of his book, including the research, […]
How to Develop Assertiveness Skills to Speak Up!
When challenged or feeling stressed most of us have a tendency to react in a passive, aggressive or passive/aggressive manner.
Welcome Acknowledgment: How to Receive Appreciation with Ease
Introduction Do you find yourself struggling to accept acknowledgment, appreciation, or a compliments Are you often at a loss for words when someone praises your efforts? I used to be one of those people who would say, “It was nothing.” Why? Because in my head I heard my father yelling, “Who do you think you […]
Gossip: What Are the Consequences of Spreading False Rumors?
1. If you participate in negative gossip, ask yourself what is really going on for you. Do you feel jealous, resentful or superior? Does it give you a sense of belonging? What is the payoff for participating? Then find a healthy way to meet your need.
Book Review: From Woe to WOW by The Advocate
Patricia’s book encapsulates, in a manageable and organized manner, the lessons learned by many women since the advent of the Feminist Movement in the 1960’s
Powerful Listening Can Inspire Confessions and Save Lives
I add; it is about kindness and seeking to understand. My own experience with our daughter Kelly, who spent a great deal of time in jail over an eleven year period, is love draws a circle that takes the other in. One of the best ways to demonstrate that care is to seek to understand with out judgment.
Being Blamed: It’s Hard But You Can Handle It with Grace
Oftentimes people are attacking out of their own hang-ups and it has little to do with us.
In-laws: Ten Tips for Dealing with the Challenging Ones
In-law challenges are high on the list of distress to coupleships. It’s hard to have a resilient and intimate partnership if you have to deal with a resentful or interviewing in-law, often the notorious mother-in-law. Regrettably women seem more frequently to have mother-in-laws who are interfering and inordinately critical.