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Empathy: The Connection Tool for Your Relationship Toolbox
In previous articles, we have discussed some tools that help strengthen relationships. Some of these topics have included tools for gaining a stronger sense of self, tools for confrontation and using your voice, tools for getting free of relationship gridlock, as well as tools for understanding the neurochemistry of the brain in committed relationships. Sometimes applying the tools to improve our relationships can be challenging. If you struggle with putting your relationship tools into action with your loved ones, try adding empathy to your relationship toolbox! So what is empathy anyway? Webster’s Dictionary defines empathy as “the feeling that you understand and share another person’s experiences and emotions: the…
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Prideful Gridlock: Changing Posture and Perspective
http://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org/wiki/The_Zax These iconic Dr. Seuss Zax characters are defined as argumentative, stubborn and prideful. Often, I’ll work with couples who are in conflict due to their different perspectives of the presenting problem. Issues such as finances, parenting, sex, and domestic responsibilities can cause couples to feel that they are going round and round the same argument. Stubbornness and pride contributes to neither party budging on their position. This can cause deep feelings of rejection and hurt which can lead to resentment. It’s normal to find tremendous frustration if our partner does not “see” things the way we do! Often we end up being argumentative and stubborn in our posture, digging…
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Just Love Yourself
Just Love Yourself! How can you demonstrate patience if you are not patient and kind with yourself? How can you be forgiving if you are judgmental and unforgiving toward yourself? How can you show mercy and compassion to others if you are critical of yourself? How can you have healthy boundaries if you are unable to set and maintain boundaries with yourself? How can you truly love another if you have rejected yourself? Transforming relationships with others is important, yet we often forget about transforming the relationship we each have with our own self. As many of us know, it’s truly difficult to have healthy relationships with others if…
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15 MORE Books Recommended by Agape Counselors
As promised last month, here is another list of books that our counselors recommend. There are many books out there that our counselors recommend to clients regularly. Below are 15 of the books that are on the list. Click on the pictures to view these books on Amazon.com Book Store. How We Love by Milan & Kay Yerkovich This book, based on attachment theory, helps people understand how childhood experiences have shaped the way they approach adult relationships. It has a lot of examples to clarify points as well as a workbook to help people change what they want to change in themselves and their relationships. Recommend for couples. Personality Plus…
Marriage, Family, & Individual Counseling | St Louis MO
