by Courtenay Monfore | Oct 12, 2020 | Anxiety, Relationships, Therapy
Most of us don’t like confrontation, but it’s a fact of life that we can’t run from forever. We have to assert ourselves, our boundaries, and our needs — and others have to do the same with us. There are a million terrible ways of expressing your frustration. Here’s...
by Courtenay Monfore | Oct 5, 2020 | Blog, Relationships, Therapy
A loving relationship can be an oasis in uncertain times. Nurturing it requires attention, honesty, openness, vulnerability, and gratitude. Here’s a guide to important facets of intimacy. The Fundamentals of a Strong Relationship Good relationships aren’t...
by Courtenay Monfore | Sep 14, 2020 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships, Trauma
The global coronavirus pandemic has created a new reality marked by grief and loss. Weddings, concerts, meetings, travels plans, school events, and more have been canceled in the wake of the virus. It has forced us to process both individual and collective grief in...
by Courtenay Monfore | Sep 7, 2020 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships
In a perfect world, when you’re checking in with someone who’s struggling, you’d have your conversation together in a calm, private setting. Phones and devices would be silenced and stashed out of sight. Food and drinks tend to put people at ease, so you’d nosh on...
by Courtenay Monfore | Aug 31, 2020 | Blog, Relationships, Therapy, Trauma
1. The empath enters the relationship wanting deep, unconditional love. The empath is attracted to the narcissist, and feels their need for affection is being met even if the narcissist isn’t doing anything to develop the connection. The empath feels fulfilled and “in...
by Courtenay Monfore | Aug 24, 2020 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships, Therapy, Trauma
Not long ago, I had a triggering conversation with my partner. Yes, that happens to therapists too. But rather than going in on him, I said, “I need time to process what I’m feeling.” At the time, I was not sure which one of my selves (the grown-ass-woman or the...
by Courtenay Monfore | Aug 3, 2020 | Blog, Brainspotting, Relationships, Trauma
You get upset. He blows up. She shuts down. The next day you can’t even remember why it bothered you so much. We’ve all been there, even therapists (we’re no more immune than anyone else). Here’s what I tell my clients about trauma and relationships, and the ways it...
by Courtenay Monfore | Jul 27, 2020 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships
In times of crisis, we often revert to things that used to give us comfort – eating our favorite snacks, watching favorite movies, and yes…even texting people who broke our hearts. Coronavirus gives a great excuse to reach out to someone who you...
by Courtenay Monfore | Jul 20, 2020 | Anxiety, Blog, Relationships
This is a tough time for parents and families. With most of the country staying indoors to practice social distancing, “flatten the curve,” and decrease the spread of COVID-19, parents are finding themselves stressed out and stretched thin. Spending days on end as the...
by Courtenay Monfore | Jul 13, 2020 | Blog, Relationships, Trauma
Everyone has experienced pain and hurt at some point in their lives. We have all felt like our trust has been compromised, and we wonder if we will ever be able to trust again. Those experiences can be very painful, and the feelings are completely normal. You are...
