Marriage and/or long-term intimate relationships have the potential to be incredibly rewarding and people generally do the best they can with what they know. Couples can generally do well over time but many hit...
Tag - family of origin
Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT
10 Characteristics of Successful Relationships
People seeking couples counseling seek change to a relationship dynamic that isn’t working in some way. The problems can include poor communication, lack of emotional safety, resentment, trust violations and...
6 Ways to Stop Worrying About the Big and Small Stuff
As much as worry and fear can bring us to our knees sometimes, much of what people get challenged by is not about life changing, catastrophic events but rather the smaller things and the meaning that is made of them. ...
Bad Relationships on Repeat? Break Your Unhealthy Patterns
Criticism. Sarcasm. Disrespect. Repeat. These are just some of the relationship behaviors that some when reoccurring can leave you wondering, “How did I get here again?” The relationship may have even...
Post-Breakup: How to Know You’re Ready for Your Next Relationship
Ouch. You suffered a painful breakup and have been mourning the loss of what you thought would be and the heartfelt crush of an ego bruise. Like for many others, it can hurt! If you’ve lost someone who you felt...
Emotional Wounds: Ways They Can Show Up in Your Relationship
Do you believe things that happened in your past can impact how you function in your relationships? If you don’t, you’re not alone. Being a therapist who works with individuals and couples, I’ve...
What is Family of Origin Work?
You may or may not be familiar with the term “family of origin” as it relates to therapy. When it comes to understanding how you function emotionally and/or in your relationships, it’s an important...
How to Sabotage Your Relationships by Not Owning Your Stuff
If you’re wondering why your relationships often go awry or seem more difficult than they should be, perhaps it’s time to consider your role. “I have a role?” you ask. Yes, you just might. The...
My Favorite Tools to Change Your Brain
Research has shown up that because of the neuroplasticity of your brain, you have the potential to change your life by promoting happiness, trauma relief, resilience and overall peace of mind. You no longer have to be...
Your Early Relationship with Mom and Your Intimate Adult Relationships
“The ability to trust, love, and resolve conflict with loved ones starts in childhood — way earlier than you may think. That is one message of a review of the literature in Current Directions in...