Set Realistic Expectations One of the primary stressors during the holidays is the pressure to create a picture-perfect experience. Whether it’s decorating your home, preparing a festive meal, or buying the “right” gifts, trying to meet impossible standards can quickly lead to burnout. Instead, focus on what truly matters to you. Recognize that not everything […]

We all know that listening is a component of communicating, but we can easily underestimate the importance of this skill.  We tend to underestimate its importance when we assume this is a skill that we have already mastered. The reality is that most of us are listening to respond, instead of listening to seek understanding. […]

Perspective taking is an important skill for couples. We feel heard, seen and understood when someone is able to see things from our point of view. What is Perspective Taking? Perspective taking is the ability to seek out understanding to see the world through another’s eyes. This skill uses our working memory, cognitive flexibility and […]

We have all heard how important boundaries are to have, but it is a continued topic that seems to be challenging for so many of us. Let’s start with breaking down that the different types of boundaries are. Look for future blog posts for more information on tips for boundary setting. Terri Cole is a […]

What is an apology? This question may seem obvious, but when we take a closer look at apologies, we can recognize that most of us could use a little work in this area. The reality is, most of us did not have genuine apologies modeled to us, and so now it is our job to do some relearning on how to take accountability for our mistakes.

We all extend bids of connection in our relationships – this is how we connect, relate and engage with one another during small moments each day. What are bids of connection and how can we recognize when we or our partner are extending a bid? A bid of connection is simply one person extending an […]

Introduction In our fast-paced, modern lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of something as fundamental as breathing. We all breathe, every moment of every day, yet how many of us actually focus on it? Breathwork, a therapeutic practice that emphasizes focused breathing techniques, has gained prominence in the world of holistic health for good […]

Welcome! Hi, I’m Leah, owner of Growing Together Counseling & Healing and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am happy you have made your way over to our blog! My hope is to provide content that gives you tips and information on mental health, relationships, holistic healing services, and the therapy process.  I first want to […]