Relationship Counselling Geelong

13/11/2024

21/03/2024

Loving Lorna’s insights

21/03/2024

21/03/2024

20/03/2024

Please note that I have now retired. Warm regards
Jenn Apps

05/05/2022

09/03/2022

03/03/2022

Worth a read if you have experienced childhood trauma.

"But here's the thing… sometimes, they aren't."

19/01/2022

"Expressions of appreciation should outweigh complaints in healthy relationships.

If complaints override appreciation and positive feedback, the relationship will likely feel more negative than positive over time.

Try to offer 5 positives for every 1 negative, which is based on The Gottman Institute's 5:1 magic ratio.

Please note, this post is not referring to situations of abuse or domestic violence."

Illustration and words by Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy

05/01/2022

Validation is verbal gold

Next time you feel the urge to correct your partner's behavior, try connecting with them first.

This means making an effort to understand our partner’s experiences, perspective, and reasoning before jumping in to correct them or “fix” what you think they’re doing wrong.

When we engage our curiosity, we may access vulnerability and emotions that deepen our connection.

The Candidly spoke with Gottman Institute Research Director Dr. Don Cole about the importance of curiosity over correction. Read more: https://bit.ly/3zHjsbv

27/12/2021

RIP

In Imago we embrace the spirit of Ubuntu! We celebrate the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu - Nobel Peace Prize winner, humanitarian and advocate of human connectedness across the globe.

17/12/2021

What a good plan

The holidays can be a time to celebrate togetherness with family and friends. However, it's a busy season that can also include a lot of tasks like shopping and decorating that make quality time as a couple difficult to prioritize.

One way to ensure you and your partner make time for one another is to be intentional about it. Try creating an illustration with each of your individual plans on either side and the plans you both would like to make time for in the center (like a Venn Diagram). Keep it visible in a place that you both pass by often (such as the bathroom mirror, the refrigerator, etc.) as a reminder of how you will make space for each other to tackle the things you want to do separately and the special moments of connection you'd like to make possible together.

Make the holidays a time for creating shared meaning together as well as meeting your individual wants and needs. The support you give your joint activities and each other's listed plans can make all the difference.

Discover more ways to stay connected and fill your holidays with romance on the Gottman Relationship Blog: bit.ly/3s5qJQs