My clients often feel ashamed of their grief following the death of a pet because it’s “only” a dog or a cat (or bird, fish, rabbit…). Yet companion animals can provide us with love and devotion in a way that’s different from, and can even exceed, what we feel from a family member or friend. […]
The Benefits of Cultivating Forgiveness
It’s impossible to get through life emotionally unscathed. We’ve all been hurt at some time or another, and not just by enemies; those close to us, like a teacher, coach, parent, friend, or partner, can also inflict pain. Emotional hurts range from those that don’t affect us deeply or for long, like annoyances, slights, and […]
The Very Real Grief of Miscarriage
Early in a wanted pregnancy, we become attached to the growing baby—imagining who this little creature will be, how we’ll nurture and protect it, and how life will change with our new family. So when we lose that baby, many of us feel unspeakable despair that’s comparable with many other types of trauma, including post-traumatic […]
What is ‘Micro-Cheating’? And Is It Really Cheating?
In a committed relationship, cheating comes in many forms. It can be as big as a long-term affair with one’s best friend. It can be as small as texting a co-worker. “Micro-cheating,” as it’s called, can include: Keeping an active dating profile Poring over an ex’s social media Dressing up for someone, not your partner […]
