Joanne M. Boyle, LCSW-C

11/19/2025

Yes!

11/14/2025

I love check-in questions like this. They often lead into deeper conversations and connection!
💓

11/10/2025

Spot on!

Every person we become close to and depend on will eventually trigger something at some point in us (even if it’s minor and infrequent).

Our triggers (the things that activate us) are meaningful information about ourselves — information that deserves to be explored with compassion.

Our triggers can help us understand what’s important to us.

They can bring to surface feelings and experiences that were not initially given the space to fully integrate.

Getting curious about what a trigger is revealing about us, and sharing that information with safe people can be a really powerful bridge for connection.

How triggers are expressed (and responded to) are essential to developing healthy relating.

Here are some prompts to help you explore further when you become triggered/activated:
💫 Am I sharing my experience without attacking or blaming?
💫 Am I clearly expressing what I need?
💫 Do I take the time to explore what my trigger is connected to before sharing?
💫 Do I apologize/repair if I express myself in harsh/critical ways?
💫 Do I give myself permission to (feel) my feelings and allow myself to be witnessed?

Here are some prompts to help you notice how people respond to you when you share:
✨ Do they respond to me with care and sensitivity when I share my triggers in a non-blaming way?
✨ Do they make effort to understand/be curious about my experience?
✨ Do they share their own pain and triggers with me at times?
✨ Do I feel somewhat calmer/more connected to myself/them after I share the root of my trigger?

These prompts are an initial guide.

There is a deeply important discernment process within this exploration.

If you’re doing your own work and still feel like something is feeling off in your relationship, then other skills sometimes need to be developed (or your red flag alert system may be alerting you).

Your triggers are about you .. AND .. how they are managed/empathized with relationally matters a whole lot too.
// Silvy Khoucasian

PS: Want to explore working together? Message me “work with me” to book a free consultation ✨

11/07/2025

11/06/2025

11/05/2025

Yes!

Long-term devotion is a mental state and a choice.

11/04/2025

Interesting!!

1. The parent’s desires always come first.

11/03/2025

07/31/2025

What is trauma bonding? It’s not what most people believe. It’s not bonding with another person over common traumatic experiences.

07/30/2025