by Courtenay Monfore | Mar 1, 2021 | Blog, Relationships, Therapy
Have you ever wondered why we get angry? Emotions are, in essence, impulses to act, the instant plans for handling life that evolution has instilled in us. Anger causes blood to flow to our hands, making it easier for us to strike an enemy or hold a weapon. Our heart...
by Courtenay Monfore | Feb 22, 2021 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships
Deep conversations may be an important way to connect with those we care about in these difficult times, but they are always a good idea. They are the foundation of strong intimate relationships — those “we talked all night” conversations when dating, or those...
by Courtenay Monfore | Feb 15, 2021 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships
Some years ago, I was shopping and came upon a beautiful red dress. The color, style and length were perfect. But the store didn’t have it in my size. It did, however, have the same dress in navy, which I wasn’t crazy about. Then I noticed a pair of blue...
by Courtenay Monfore | Feb 8, 2021 | Blog, Trauma
Our brain’s ability to process information and adapt effectively is dependent on a number of factors, including genes, nutrition, and life experiences. These life experiences wield particular influence over the brain during a few sensitive periods when our most...
by Courtenay Monfore | Feb 1, 2021 | Blog, Relationships
When it comes to marriage, what you don’t know really can hurt you. Whether because of shyness, lack of interest or a desire to preserve romantic mystery, many couples do not ask each other the difficult questions that can help build the foundation for a stable...
by Courtenay Monfore | Jan 25, 2021 | Blog, Relationships, Therapy
Our relationship with our parents or caregiver creates an “attachment style”—a blueprint for how we handle close relationships later. Understanding how they are formed, and how they manifest in our adult relationships, is vitally important if you want to...
by Courtenay Monfore | Jan 18, 2021 | Anxiety, Therapy
Self-criticism and low self-worth can hold us back. Here’s how to start banishing those negative beliefs. What gives you a sense of self-worth? Data from a well-being survey recently revealed that positive self-views (or feeling good about oneself, a general belief...
by Courtenay Monfore | Jan 11, 2021 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships, Therapy
What are boundaries? All relationships need boundaries. A boundary is an imaginary line that separates me from you. They separate your physical space, your feelings, needs, and responsibilities from others. Your boundaries also tell other people how they can treat you...
by Courtenay Monfore | Jan 4, 2021 | Blog, Relationships
Validation doesn’t necessarily mean we agree with another’s subjective reality. Validation simply allows another person’s emotional state a space to exist. Validation is a critical communication tool and expression of love and acceptance in relationships. So critical...
by Courtenay Monfore | Dec 28, 2020 | Anxiety, Blog, Therapy
No matter how much we believe we have our “shit” together, life carries many harsh truths, and no matter how much we may wish to run away from them, it is only through accepting them that we can take full responsibility for our lives. You may be aware of some of these...
