Atlanta Family Therapy

06/19/2024

A word about Trauma recovery from Anna Aslanian, LMFT, at the Gottman Institute:

The antidote to trauma is experiential healing. I am sure you can think of many examples where what you can logically understand does not translate into feeling the same in your heart. What you know and what you do are two separate things sometimes. Traumatic events are stored in the right hemisphere of your brain. They are fragmented, somatic, nonverbal, emotional, and behavioral. To heal, you must show (not tell) your nervous system that you are safe.

Our nervous system constantly scans the environment for cues. It then classifies each cue as either safe or unsafe. This process is called Neuroception (coined by Stephen Porges). We shut down or open up and grow depending on how safe our environments and relationships are. Human beings are wired for connection from birth. Traumatic experiences rewire the brain to seek protection instead. There’s no time for play, joy, trust, and relaxation if you are tensely looking out for danger signs. This constant search for safety happens on a subconscious level, so you may not even be aware of it.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Emotionally safe people can help you regulate your nervous system. Everyone needs safe connections for coregulation. Who in your life makes you feel safe?

Emotionally safe people create a safe space for thoughts and feelings. That safety is felt in their presence, body language, and “energy.” These relationships can help regulate your immune system through co-regulation. Co-regulation happens when another person sees and hears your feelings and experience. This allows you to feel comfortable.

If you don’t have a person like that in your life at first, that’s okay. Can you search for other ways to regulate your nervous system? Spending time with your pets? Being in nature? Taking a bath? You can engage in these self-care activities while working on increasing your support system to include safe, supportive people. Sometimes your first safe person is your therapist and that’s also a beautiful start for healing. (https://www.gottman.com/blog/am-i-too-traumatized-to-be-in-a-relationship/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=blog&fbclid=IwAR0eFDuPgVhgxN2V4mgaYCxriVXeMC_rj8MpWYqMQ40OGnWCIqU2x7rPkrA)

12/26/2023

Teaching empathy
https://www.facebook.com/100063541030224/videos/219187161075780/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

04/01/2022

11/14/2021

As parents, we need to be the big person.

Let’s actively engage our children where they are. Instead of complaining, being stuck in our misery and wishing that someone in particular or life in general were treating us differently… let’s do something. Engage the child where he or she is, while they are in that mood, and do what you can do to help raise them up into maturity.

We are just 3 DAYS away from getting together to see what we can do about our family relationships! Register today to join live November 15th or watch later at boundaries.me/family

11/02/2021

Because we desire the security of belonging—whether to a person, job, or community—and the freedom to explore other options, we often find ourselves acting out of our internal contradictions. Some of us come out of our childhood needing more protection; some of us come out needing more space. And these needs continue to fluctuate throughout our lives.

We cherish our freedom but we impose structure to regulate it. We value our security, but peace of mind can leave us yearning for mystery and spontaneity, facets of Eroticism which extend to all areas of life. Cultivating fluidity helps us navigate this tension.
What I’ve observed is this: people want partnership and a deep lasting love, but they also want relationships that should also be revocable at any time. Are there areas in your life in which you are preserving a little exit door?‍ Follow the link to read more on what I have to say about "Security and Freedom."

https://bit.ly/3GJQgng

10/29/2021

Do you know how to best utilize the 1013/2013? Are you familiar with the involuntary admission and treatment process in Georgia?

On Friday, Nov 5, at 12pm Dan Upshaw will present a 3hr ETHICS workshop on these topics. If you are an LMFT, you now have the authority to utilize 1013s. And, whether or not you are an LMFT, if you’ve never been trained fully or don’t have a clear understanding of the 1013/2013 process here in GA, this workshop will help you understand what a 1013 really is, the decision making process, the form, and what happens next.

Register here for this online workshop: https://www.cornerstonefamilyservices.com/1013workshop

Workshop Objectives:
Understand the legal process of involuntary mental health treatment
Demonstrate understanding and use of the 1013/2013 form
Identify legal and ethical considerations in use of the 1013/2013 form

About the Presenter:
Dan Upshaw, LMFT, LPC has thorough background working in a medical environment with a variety of mental health providers in the psychiatry and mental health department at Grady Memorial Hospital. In this setting, as a dual-licensed MFT & LPC Dan has years of first hand experience providing care to patients within the process that begins with the 1013/2013. Dan is also involved with GAMFT and as part of the Legislative Committee helped achieve 1013/2013 parity for MFTs in Georgia.

Continuing Education Credit:3 ethics hours approved by GAMFT. #101-2021CEs available for LMFTs, LPCs, and LCSWs.

Register here:
https://www.cornerstonefamilyservices.com/1013workshop
Hosted online by Cornerstone Family Services

09/28/2021

How do you validate your partner's feelings during conflict?

Validation doesn’t mean you agree, but that you can understand even a small part of your partner’s experience. It's about you both feeling understood and, ultimately, loved.

Asking your loved one questions like “Is there more to this for you?” or "I'm listening, please tell me more," may help them uncover deeper meanings or other aspects of their experience that they have yet to discuss. By seeking to understand, we can open the door to conversation and resolution.

Discover communication and conflict resolution tools to boost your connection with Gottman Relationship Coach programs today: https://bit.ly/3ci5PUO

09/25/2021

Every loving action—turning towards bids, checking in with each other, sharing a dream for the future—acts as a “deposit” to your relationship's Emotional Bank Account.

So what can you do when prolonged periods of stress, conflict, or anxiety have you feeling overdrawn? What can you do if you don’t feel like you have that cushion of kindness to fall back on?

Take a deeper look at the three things you can do to get your balance back on track and start making deposits to your Emotional Bank Account together when you take The Art and Science of Love Online. Get 25% off with code 25ASL2020: http://bit.ly/2x6jfC7

08/27/2021

Can you spot the bid?

"Bids" are the verbal or non-verbal attempts a person makes to connect with their partner.

Dr. John Gottman refers to bids as “the fundamental unit of emotional communication.” Bids can be small or big, verbal or nonverbal. They might take the form of an expression, question, or physical outreach. They can be funny, serious, or sexual in nature.

Yes, even asking if the fridge is stocked with milk can be an opportunity to turn towards your partner and connect.

Learn all about how to recognize and turn towards bids with help from the Gottman Relationship Coach. Get started today: https://bit.ly/3lkGJL2

08/24/2021

Do you know how to best utilize the 1013/2013?
On Saturday, Aug 28, Dan Upshaw will present a 3hr ETHICS workshop on this topic. If you’ve never been trained fully or don’t have a clear understanding of the 1013/2013 process here in GA, this workshop will help you understand what a 1013 really is, the decision making process, the form, and what happens next. CEs available for LMFTs, LPCs, and LCSWs. Register at: https://www.cornerstonefamilyservices.com/1013workshop

Marriage & Family Therapists recently achieved 1013/2013 parity in the state of Georgia.  Using a 1013/2013 requires specific knowledge about how the process works, legal & ethical considerations, and familiarity with the 1013/2013 form.

08/24/2021

"Premarital counseling is a powerful process to proactively strengthen your relationship at the ideal time of marriage preparation.

Rather than wait until serious issues arise, I encourage couples to use the momentum of the joyful season they’re in to deepen and elevate their relationship. Research shows that couples who go through premarital counseling have a higher relationship satisfaction and greater buffer for stress later on."

What does premarital counseling actually look like? On the Gottman Relationship Blog, Hannah Eaton, LMFT of Sequoia Immersions, LLC discusses how a relationship therapist can get your lifetime of love off to a good start and offers tips to help you find a premarital counselor that will best match your unique needs: https://bit.ly/3sDQzJq

Note: Premarital counseling and the topics discussed are unique to every couple based on an assessment process. This list may not be inclusive of all topics couples might focus on in premarital therapy. Find a Gottman-trained therapist in your area on the Gottman Referral Network.

08/22/2021

For a relationship to succeed, you must be able to trust each other.

Building trust with a partner is really about the small moments of connection that allow you to feel safe, truly believe that your partner will show up for you, and has your best interests at heart.

One of the hardest things about trusting someone is learning to have confidence in your own judgment.

Consider this: In most cases, your partner is not solely responsible for creating mistrustful feelings. Creating an atmosphere of safety and security in your relationship is a team effort. To begin the process of overcoming mistrust, ask yourself:

What stories am I telling myself about trust?

Is my mistrust coming from something that is actually happening in the present, or is it related to my past?

Do I feel comfortable asking for what I need and allowing myself to be vulnerable?

Do I bring my best self to my interactions with my partner?

Trust opens the door for a deeper connection with your loved one and gives you the motivation to endure challenging times together. Discover trust-building tools today by starting Gottman Relationship Coach: All About Love: https://bit.ly/3lkGJL2

08/20/2021

What are your self-care goals?

Showing up for yourself is one of your most critical tools to maintain a healthy relationship. Try these goal-setting tips from Dr. John Gottman and make self-care part of your routine. Remember: these are tools that are meant to be practiced far beyond the next couple of days. Its a marathon, not a sprint.

Set goals, big and small, to nourish yourself and your relationship with Gottman Relationship Coach today: https://bit.ly/3lkGJL2

08/18/2021

Do you know how to best utilize the 1013/2013?
On Saturday, Aug 28, Dan Upshaw will present a 3hr ETHICS workshop on this topic. If you’ve never been trained fully or don’t have a clear understanding of the 1013/2013 process here in GA, this workshop will help you understand what a 1013 really is, the decision making process, the form, and what happens next. CEs available for LMFTs, LPCs, and LCSWs. Register at: https://www.cornerstonefamilyservices.com/1013workshop

Home Make an Appointment If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about our practice, please call 404-585-1404 Click For More Location Atlanta Family Therapy is located at 741 Piedmont Avenue NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30308 Click For More Services We Offer Counseling for Individua...

08/17/2021

08/11/2021

Trust is a pillar of Tthe Sound Relationship House. Learn how to fortify your partnership with attunement, intimate conversation, and more.

08/11/2021

08/10/2021

When two adults enter a relationship, they often don’t realize they bring along their child selves. . .
. . and when those child selves have experienced trauma, it can have a tremendous impact on a client’s ability to connect with others.

That’s why Terry Real, MSW, LICSW, has a three-part model to help clients better understand the role of trauma in their relationships. We’ve made it into an infographic for you here.

We also made a printable option, you can check it out here: https://www.nicabm.com/how-trauma-can-affect-adult-relationships/?del=8.10.21FBPost