Honesty vs. Transparency
Honesty vs. Transparency Previous PostNext Post RELATIONSHIPS Honesty vs. Transparency in Relationships Did you know that there was a huge difference between honesty and transparency in a relationship? Honesty vs. Transparency If you have relationships, you know firsthand that no one is perfect, and that we make mistakes. How we discuss these situations can impact the health of a relationship. First, I will tell you the difference between honesty and transparency and give you an example of each. Then I tell you why transparency is important. Honesty is when a person tells the truth about something they’re asked about. Transparency is when a person volunteers information without having to be asked. Practicing Honesty vs Transparency Let’s take purchases as an example. Have you ever hid your purchases, snuck in bags, or surprised your partner with a huge purchase on the joint credit card? As a concerned partner, you may ask your honest partner who practices honesty a question like, “Hey, I noticed this charge on a credit card statement. What’s up with that? What is this?” An honest partner desiring to work this situation out might say, “Listen, I went out, and I bought these things, and I know we normally talk about these purchases. I’m sorry I went against our rules.” When you are with a transparent partner practicing transparency, your partner may come to you saying, “Listen, I made a huge purchase today. We normally talk about it. I realize it violates what we agreed upon. I want to work it out, move forward, and make sure we have trust.” Why is transparency important? In a romantic relationship, the difference between honesty and transparency can be the difference between trusting and not trusting your partner. Additionally, it can be tough to admit when you make a mistake. I caution against omitting information, carefully sharing snippets of chosen information, and vague information, as they can also lead to trust issues. You may desire to avoid feeling embarrassment, shame, or guilt, but you owe it to your partner, to be honest, and transparent. Likewise, plausible deniability or pretending ignorance is a trust violation. This behavior is manipulative and should be avoided in healthy relationships. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
EMDR Therapy and How It Works
Previous PostNext Post EMDR Therapy EMDR Therapy and How it Works Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds Let’s Get Down to Brass Tacks EMDR Therapy is often sought out by people struggling with symptoms related to an unresolved traumatic event. EMDR Therapy In today’s world, ‘trauma’ has become more and more emphasized as we have grown into a greater understanding of how it affects so many people. We have learned that it’s not the event itself that is traumatic, but the response to the experience. While there is a common range of traumas, such as personal loss or abuse, war-related experiences, natural disasters, car accidents, and more, trauma symptoms can result from any adversely negative experience. If you are struggling with the effects of trauma or anxiety, you may have heard about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. If you are seeking EMDR therapy, you may be struggling with symptoms related to an unresolved traumatic event. Some people also seek this therapy to help them cope with the symptoms of anxiety disorders like panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. So, How Does This Fancy Therapy Work? When we have unresolved traumatic experiences, it can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors and possibly physical and psychological symptoms. The goal of this fancy therapy is to help you overcome these symptoms by targeting unresolved traumatic memories. We look at past traumas that are triggered in the present. These are usually traumas you have the same responses to as when you originally experienced the negative event. During therapy, the West Lake Houston therapists will guide you through a number of eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation such as tapping) to help you process your traumatic experiences. The goal here is to reduce activation connected to your memories and reprocess them so you can understand them in a healthier way. Potential Benefits of EMDR Therapy EMDR therapy can help with your reactions and distress by improving your ability to regulate emotions, reduce intrusive thoughts, and increase self-confidence. It allows the brain to naturally heal itself from past psychological injury (as the body does when it is physically injured). It can also help you learn healthier coping strategies for future stressors. If you are dealing with lingering effects of trauma, such as flashbacks and nightmares, it can help you live your life without fear. Are you considering EMDR Therapy? If you have ever considered whether this therapy can work for you, we’d love to hear from you! With the help of a trained therapist, you can take steps towards healing and overcoming your trauma or anxiety that may be holding you back in important areas of your life. We are familiar with the kinds of events we would – hands down – label as traumatic (i.e a major accident), but it’s important to note that there are relational traumas people endure as well. Typically, people find that their triggers most often happen in the context of romantic relationships. Again, it is not the event itself that determines the trauma, but the person’s response to it. If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy and how it can help you, reach out to us today to schedule a free phone consultation. Take the first step towards overcoming your trauma or anxiety today. Contact West Lake Houston Counseling. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday
5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday Previous PostNext Post 5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday The Thanksgiving holiday is associated with contact and fellowship with family and friends. This year, COVID-19 has overshadowed numerous birthdays, life events such as weddings, and other opportunities to come together and celebrate. The recent spike in new COVID-19 cases reminds us that we are not “out of the woods” as the virus continues to spread. If the need to distance this holiday is causing you to feel sad or down, you are not alone. Here are 5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday to help you to have a more fulfilling experience: 1. Don’t Bottle Your Emotions: Whatever your feelings may be, they are real and valid. It’s okay to feel sadness and grief over what you believe may be lost as a result of distancing from others. Bottling these feelings will only intensify them, so allow yourself those moments and be present with them. 2. Allow Yourself to Grieve with Anticipation: It is easy to look at where we are now and only be able to consider the sad aspects of it (no children running around the table, no playing cards, no gathering around the TV for the football game), but remember to reflect on those past holidays with joy and anticipation that one day, we will return to a more normalized way of gathering and sharing in these good times together 3. Be Open to Creating New Meaning: The last several months have required us to develop a whole new way of connecting with each other. Traditionally, there would be no question as to whether gathering would be a part of sharing good times with others. Steer clear of the belief that you cannot create meaning during this holiday. Decide on how you want to feel this holiday (joy, connection, gratitude) and think of creative ways to achieve this. One example might be making a list of the top 3 people in your life you wish to express gratitude to, playing a virtual game with loved ones – there are a TON out there, or learning to make a new dish and sharing it virtually. The possibilities are endless. 4. Remember Your “Why”: Keep in mind the reasons for this distance in the first place. For many of us, we are distancing so that we may anticipate future gatherings and celebrations together. By keeping others safe, we increase their chances of living more fully in the future (vulnerable persons in particular) 5. Find a Way to Help Someone: A powerful antidote to seasonal depression, grief, and sadness is to find a way to be of support to another person. This might include a phone call/video chat, donating to a non-profit organization, or driving food/items to someone who is unable to prepare their own meal. Finding creative ways of being helpful to others is a legitimate and promising way to cope with your own emotions this holiday, whatever they may be! May you enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday! All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized 5 Tips for Gift Giving How to spot love bombing Finding an Affirming Therapist