“I’m ready to let go of my emotional baggage, but I don’t know how.” Easier said than done, but yes, there are steps you can take that will lead to the “letting go.” First, let’s look at what “letting go” means. What can you expect? Often people have the notion that if they really work [...]

Sometimes in session I find a most heartfelt phenomenon befalling a couple – it is the time when partners begin to know “self” and then the “other” more deeply than ever before. It may be the first time that they have truly grasped each other in their most genuine form. A vision of our most [...]

Do you have someone in your life that invalidates you? That is, whenever you express your point of view, thoughts or feelings he/she puts you down, tells you you’re wrong, ignores what you have to say. Living with an invalidator day in and day out, creates an atmosphere where you end up doubting yourself and [...]

Hurry! There’s still time to register for June’s live teleclass. Did we mention it’s FREE? Join us for a dynamic class on part two of this month’s Relate 360° topic: Emotional Baggage – Unearthing, Understanding, Unraveling and Unlocking Your History. We all have emotional baggage. It’s what we do with it that makes the difference. [...]

How much does your partner know about your history? Have you kept old family secrets hidden in the closet or just never wanted to talk about your painful memories? In our work with couples, we often do a parallel family history, meaning each partner tells the story of his/her family of origin with the other [...]

What is it like when you are dealing with your baggage and realize that you have never fully felt or explored your anger towards your parent(s)? You learned growing up that anger was a “bad” emotion and when you feel it, a surge of guilt and anxiety kicks in. We often encounter this with clients [...]

In our work with couples we often dig up family history to see how each partner’s baggage is contributing to current conflicts. Often times we hear people say: I don’t want to blame my parents. It’s my responsibility. They did the best they could. I’m an adult now; that has nothing to do with my [...]

When emotional lightning strikes and a dark cloud of emotional baggage is looming, do you choose “deal” or “no deal?” That is, do you run away from the feelings or towards them? Experiencing an emotional lightning strike – i.e. disappointment, hurt, trauma or tragedy – triggers physical, mental and emotional reactions. When our body perceives [...]

Now that airlines are charging for bags, some of us have been tempted to travel sans luggage. Just imagine leaving your home without having to pack, and without a thought about what you might have forgotten. Imagine getting to the airport and heading straight to the gate, instead of standing in line to check your [...]

Family History – Alex and Alison Alex was 12 when his father walked out, leaving him and his three younger sisters. His mom, who had previously stayed at home, worked two jobs to make ends meet. Being the oldest and the only male in the household, Alex assumed many adult responsibilities throughout his adolescent years, [...]