Today, we wrap up the four-part series in which we’ve learned about Gottman’s Four Horsemen and his approach to couples therapy. The last remaining of The Four Horsemen leaves us with Stonewalling, which typically occurs in response to the combined impact of contempt and any of the other Four Horsemen. Feeling continually criticized, disrespected, insulted, […]

Let’s face it, if it were up to us, we would want to have as much control over a situation as we possibly can. This way, everything will always go as planned, we wouldn’t fear the unknown or the future as much, anxiety would pretty much not even exist, and we’d all live happily ever […]

One does not have to look far to find information on dealing life’s unexpected changes. Self-help books, websites, mental health counseling, and even television shows offer assistance in dealing with unforeseen changes. Examples of these kinds of changes may include: • Losing a loved one • Losing a job • The end of a relationship, […]

Art therapy is “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship” (American Art Therapy Association, 2017). In other words, art therapy is used by a qualified art therapist as a therapeutic […]

For some of us, “going with the flow” doesn’t feel like an option. We plan, overthink, worry, and plan some more as a means of coping with not knowing what the future will bring. Anxiety, or feelings of worry, dread, or nervousness can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unsure of how to move forward. […]

With Valentine’s day around the corner many people have mixed feelings about this day. Usually it boils down to whether you’re in a relationship or not. It can be really hard to see everyone around you paired up while you’re stuck feeling like you’ll never find that special someone or that you’ll always be alone […]

Define Art Therapy Art therapy is used as a therapeutic tool by a qualified art therapist to help clients seek a deeper understanding as well as enhance their mental well- being. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is defined as “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives […]

What does the New Year mean for you? Is it about a fresh start or is it just another day? If you’re one that has experienced trauma in your life past or present, the New Year can be that one glimpse of hope for recovery. Personally, I believe that the beginning of a new year […]

In this four-part series, I’ve been sharing information about the Four Horsemen and the Gottman Method of couples therapy. Defensiveness is the third of Gottman’s Four Horsemen. As a reminder, the Four Horsemen are communication pitfalls that couples utilize when disagreeing and arguing. They contribute significantly to relational strife and discontent, and defensiveness is often […]

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am the type of person who thrives on her routine. For someone Type A like myself, there’s something about having control over the structure of my day that brings me a sense of satisfaction and stability in my ever changing, chaotic life. Routine’s not only help […]