So... What's it Like to Live With YOU?

I am a reasonable person. I am kind, thoughtful, generous. (And modest!) When I act unreasonable or sulky with my husband of sixteen years it’s because he makes me be that way because he’s being a jerk. I am entitled to my occasional self-righteous judgment it is because he is wrong. If I am ever snappy and impatient it is only because he is being annoying. If I am being controlling it is because he is irresponsible. At least, all this used to be true until we got into marriage counseling years ago and I had to come to grips with the formerly unfathomable idea that some of the problems in our relationship could perhaps, possibly, have something to do with me. (MOI? As Miss Piggy would say.)  Read more...

The Art of Friendship

Having meaningful connections with others is a cornerstone of authentic happiness, and part of what makes for a life worth living. On this edition of EveryDay Experts I'm speaking with my old pal Amy, who has effortlessly mastered the Art of Friendship. She offers insight into how she so easily connects with others, and can turn casual encounters into meaninful relationships. Learn from Amy and get concrete tips on how you can make changes in your attitude and behaviors that will help you have more friends, and have more fun!

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Mindfulness: Be Here Now

Staying in the present is a key part of achieving emotional wellbeing and enjoying your life. Our thoughts about what might happen, what did happen, or what should happen often drag us out of the present moment and into feelings of anxiety and sadness. Learning how to "be here now" and appreciate the present can help you feel good again.  

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Danny Penman who has co-authored a new book on how to stay in the present and cultivate mindfulness in your life, "Mindfulness: Finding Peace In A Frantic World." Listen to my latest podcast, where I interview Dr. Penman, to learn more about the research behind mindfulness, how it can help you, and how you can learn skills and techniques to stay in the present moment. 

Mindfulness: Be Here Now

Love Your Relationship

My February video webinar featured information, insight and practical tools you need to start improving your relationship immediately-- and single handedly. We'll be learning about systems, and the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that will help give you new control to turn what might have been a fight to an opportunity for connection. 

Click here to get free access to the seminar right now.

Make it Happen in 2012!

I held a free video webinar in January to give you the support and practical help you need to keep your motivation and stay on track this year. Participants left with concrete tools and a serious action plan that will carry them all the way to their goals in 2012.

The event itself is over, but it's not too late-- just click here to get access to it for free right now.

The Art of Balance

The holiday season is in full swing, in all it's fun and stressful buzz. To-do lists are growing, time is ticking, and there are so many places to go and things to do. As exciting as it is, it can be quite overwhelming to manage it all. Help is here! On the latest edition of Everyday Experts I'm speaking with Joanna, who has joyously mastered the Art of Balance. Listen to this entertaining interview, or read the highlights, and get insight into the attitudes, actions and life lessons of a plate-spinning queen. (20 minutes)

How To Be Happy

Often, when I ask someone “What do you want to get out of therapy?” they tell me that they “just want to be happy.” Feeling unhappy is incredibly common. While there are times when our feelings of sadness and dissatisfaction are telling us that it’s time to make changes and grow, it is also true that there are also ways to help yourself feel happier, no matter what your circumstances.

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Communication in Relationships

"Communication Problems" are the number one thing that bring couples to therapy. Often, I have people get in touch asking me what they can do to improve communication and feel like they are being heard in their relationship. While the specifics are different for everyone, I can speak to the common mistakes people make that create communication problems. Understanding the problems can help you make positive changes that could start improving your communication and ability to be heard TODAY.

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To Stay or To Go?

You would not believe how many people get in touch with me to ask me if they should break up with their partners or not. Obviously, I can't answer that question for someone. However, I can speak about things that I have found over the years are signs that a relationship can be repaired, and the signs that make me think that a break-up is likely.

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When Good Relationships Get Violent

On this edition of "EveryDay Experts", listen to Dr. Aubrey Austin and I talk about "circumstantial violence" in otherwise good relationships. Learn about how it is different from relationship abuse, and what you and your partner can do to heal. Click here to hear the podcast.