Heartcraft Art Therapy

03/04/2024

03/04/2024

Dr. John Gottman’s research on Bringing Baby Home found the strength of the couple’s friendship to be a key factor in reducing the baby blues and postpartum depression. Feeling supported by your significant other makes the transition easier and more manageable.

Head to the Gottman Relationship Blog to learn actionable steps maintain the quality of your relationship and build a strong and healthy family: https://bit.ly/49DdBoo

03/04/2024

So often we get stuck between where we are and the vision of what could be. We get caught up in the fear that it is just not possible. Whether we are working on growth within ourselves or within a relationship it always starts with a leap- letting go of the familiar that has become our safe place and opening ourselves to the possibility of the great things that lie ahead for us.
In honor of Leap Day, what "Leap" of faith can you take today?

03/04/2024

How Do You Adult?

03/04/2024

The unburdening and transformation of exiles allows the protective managers to relax, making the person less vulnerable to attack.

Dick Schwartz’s new book No Bad Parts, available now:

https://hubs.ly/Q02mRPQJ0

03/04/2024

When you and your partner both have big life dreams and goals you each grow as individuals and your relationship can grow with it. Supporting each other's dreams and goals can come from financial support, logistical support or emotional support!

Have the discussion: how can you and your partner better support each other? Think about ways you can both contribute to making life dreams come true in your relationship.

03/04/2024

Most kisses shared may be short and sweet. Perhaps you are running off to work, in the middle of cooking, or about to go to sleep. Lengthening kisses to six seconds could be a key to a better relationship.

Dr. John Gottman says it’s long enough to make a moment of connection with our partner. It stops the busyness in your brain and puts your focus on your partner at that moment. Kissing can be a good exercise in mindfulness.

What are you waiting for? Kiss your partner for at least six seconds!

Interested in learning more research backed tips? It's the last chance to get February's free download when you subscribe to the Love Notes newsletter: https://bit.ly/30JWG2H

01/19/2024

Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman & Dr. John Gottman just got their hands on the very first finished copies of Fight Right!

Interested in a signed copy? Pre-order yours through Broadway Books to receive an exclusive signed copy!

Pre-order your signed copy here: https://www.broadwaybooks.net/book/9780593579657

01/19/2024

"WHAT MY BONES KNOW. A MEMOIR OF HEALING FROM COMPLEX TRAUMA".

A BEAUTIFUL MEMOIR. You may want to start here if you're not already deep in the 'trauma theory' weeds. Put aside van der Kolk or Maté, or any of the trauma professionals for a moment, (and yes, they are all vital)... to experience a remarkable validation for what living with complex trauma (CPTSD) entails from a client's P.O.V.

This unique memoir offers a deep understanding of why it's so hard to be 'in relationships' and how a strong therapeutic relationship truly does help clients to re-learn ways of being with an 'other' that supports love, curiosity, building the ongoing resilience that comes experiencing continual 'rupture and repair', nurturing that exquisite cradle of care that is our natural birthright.

Learning to heal involves truly honouring our maddening symptoms, those parts of us which have protected us and helped us to survive (***no mention of this most of the trauma literature). Foo and her Therapist give kudos early in treatment, and regularly, to these rather astonishing 'resources' that develop in the process of adapting to complex trauma - this awkward, always-lively, and often devastating dance of human survival.

A THOUSAND BLESSINGS to Stephane Foo for spilling her beans with incredible grace and intelligence. After a decade of Podcast producing with This American Life, this woman's got serious writing chops! and yes, she is a badass. 💙🙏💙 BTW the Audiobook is READ BY THE AUTHOR so it too is highly recommended! 🎯

01/19/2024

Lessons from "How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Life"

✍️ Identify the "Porcupines" in your life: Learn to recognize the traits and behaviors that make someone difficult, understanding their "quills" as protective mechanisms.
✍️ Shift your perspective: Instead of judging or blaming, see challenging people as wounded individuals with unmet needs and fears.

✍️ Practice empathy: Put yourself in their shoes to understand their motivations and perspectives, even if you disagree with their actions.

✍️ Embrace non-judgmental communication: Listen actively without interrupting, use "I" statements to express your feelings, and avoid accusatory language.

✍️ Set healthy boundaries: Know your limits and communicate them clearly to protect yourself from emotional manipulation or abuse.

✍️ Challenge your own reactivity: Recognize your own triggers and learn to respond calmly and assertively, instead of reacting impulsively.

✍️Offer unconditional love: True love accepts individuals for who they are, even when they're challenging. Separate their actions from their worth.

✍️ Practice patience and understanding: Change takes time. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate difficult relationships.
✍️ Let go of expectations: Don't try to control or change people. Focus on accepting them as they are and setting realistic expectations for the relationship.
✍️ Find humor in the situation: Sometimes, a little lightheartedness can defuse tension and break down communication barriers.

✍️ Prioritize self-care: Difficult people can drain your emotional energy. Make sure to replenish yourself with activities that bring you joy and peace.

✍️ Seek support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support and guidance in dealing with difficult relationships.

✍️ Remember, you are not alone: Everyone encounters difficult people in their lives. Knowing you're not alone can be a source of comfort and strength.

✍️ Celebrate small victories: Recognize and appreciate even the smallest improvements in communication or understanding.

✍️ Focus on your own growth: Ultimately, the only person you can truly control is yourself. Use your experiences with difficult people to learn and grow, developing greater resilience and compassion.