Why Communication Isn’t the Problem
Why Communication Isn’t the Problem—It’s What You’re Avoiding When couples come into therapy, one of the most common things they say is, “We just need to work on our communication.” And while it’s true that healthy communication is essential in any relationship, “communication issues” are rarely the core problem. More often, what’s being labeled as […]
How to Strengthen Your Relationship: Insights from Research and Therapy
How to Strengthen Your Relationship: Insights from Research and Therapy Building and maintaining a strong relationship takes effort, intention, and continuous growth. Whether you’re in a long-term partnership or just starting out, understanding how to nurture your connection is essential. At KDM Counseling Group, we help couples navigate challenges, improve communication, and develop deeper emotional […]
Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Path to Self-Healing
Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Path to Self-Healing Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a powerful and transformative approach to therapy that helps individuals understand and heal the different parts of themselves. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS is based on the idea that the mind is made up of multiple sub-personalities, […]
Helping Teenagers Through Academic Anxiety: A Therapist’s Perspective
Academic anxiety is a growing concern among teenagers today. With the increasing demands of school, standardized testing, and future planning, it’s no surprise that many teens find themselves overwhelmed. As a marriage and family therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how academic anxiety can affect a teenager’s mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. It’s essential to understand […]
Navigating a Romantic Relationship with a Narcissist: Insights and Strategies
Navigating a Romantic Relationship with a Narcissist: Insights and Strategies Romantic relationships thrive on mutual respect, empathy, and compromise. But when one partner exhibits narcissistic traits, these foundational elements can feel elusive. Navigating a relationship with a narcissist requires awareness, strong boundaries, and a commitment to your emotional well-being. Here, we delve into the dynamics […]
Executive Functioning Skills Training
Executive functioning is a combination of brain-based abilities that enable goal-setting, planning, managing disappointment, and adapting to unexpected events. These skills help individuals tackle challenges without becoming overwhelmed and are crucial for success in school, relationships, and overall quality of life. Our group employs evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques to enhance social flexibility, emotion regulation, planning, time […]
Emotional Manipulation: What It Looks Like and How to Handle It
EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION: WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE AND HOW TO HANDLE IT Emotional manipulation is one type of emotional abuse where the perpetrator seeks to emotionally control, exploit, or influence the victim in a way that gives them an advantage. This behavior commonly takes place in abusive and toxic relationships, and it may be the only […]
Does Your Partner Know Their Behavior Is Abusive?
Does Your Partner Know Their Behavior Is Abusive? Even if they don’t, that doesn’t excuse their behavior. It is easy to look at someone who has bruises inflicted by their partners and surmise that they are being abused in their relationship. There is an obvious sign prompting friends, family, and therapists to ask, “Is everything […]
Tough Truths About Relationships
Tough Truths About Relationships Let’s talk about some tough truths when it comes to long-term relationships. Our culture presents a skewed set of expectations. We are told that “true” love is a feeling that should last. But love is work. There will be times when you’ll feel disconnected. You’ll wonder if there is someone better […]
Living With Unresolved Trauma
Living With Unresolved Trauma Living with unresolved trauma can result in a relationship that isn’t happy or healthy. You may think you have “dealt with it,” when what is really happening is that your behavior is being driven by what has happened to you. Trauma is unique to each and every one of us. None […]