By Jennifer Rego, MSW, LICSW When it comes to conflict to you ever think: “I would rather not deal with it now, there is so much else going on” “This scenario always happens when I speak up” “I hate bringing things up because I don’t know how it will go, or if the person will […]
Overcoming Guilt
Your mother guilts you into attending a family function. Your boss guilts you into working late. What does it mean to be guilted into something? When you do something out of guilt, you’re not doing anyone any favors. Anything done out of guilt leads to resentment. Period. So when you loan your best friend money […]
Working Through Family Conflict
There is your family-of-origin, your parents and siblings. Then there is the family you choose, your romantic partner and kids. If you belong to both of these groups, you will inevitably find yourself caught between the two at some point. More often than not, I encourage my clients to align with their chosen family when tensions […]
Irritability, Edginess and Depression
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC When you think of depression, you likely think of sadness. You may imagine someone struggling to get out of bed, or slumped teary-eyed in front of the TV. And yes, depression does manifest in such symptoms for many people. However, irritability, edginess and explosive anger are also common signs […]
Is Your Partner a Stupid Poopy Face?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC For better or worse, your first model for Romantic Relationship comes from your parents or childhood caregivers. It’s not what they say about relationships that shapes you, but what they don’t say. Every family has unspoken rules. We don’t address conflict directly. Men sometimes yell and break things. Mothers worry […]
