Relationships
“Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.” -Brene Brown
Research has shown time and again that healthy relationships are one of the largest protective factors and sources of resiliency we have available to us. Without healthy connection, we cannot thrive. In comparison, toxic relationships, betrayal, and loneliness can hurt us. They trigger the pain centers in our brain and are linked to a number of negative physical effects and potential illness.
Your relationship to yourself is primary and crucial.
How can we have healthy relationships with others, if we aren’t starting with the one within ourselves? Maybe you feel at war with different parts of yourself or that you have to change everything you are to be good enough. Maybe you try to do things the same as everyone else, and you wind up feeling like a failure.
Where did your inner critic come from? Why do you expect so much from yourself? Which feelings are you most afraid of? Why do you prioritize the things you do? If we can better understand and have compassion for ourselves, we can make peace with the internal battles. We can work with ourselves rather than against ourselves.
Some of the relationship issues I’m passionate about working with are: addressing patterns of codependency, navigating a toxic family of origin, healing the effects of an abusive relationship, rebuilding sense of self and self-esteem, and struggling to be vulnerable with your significant other.