Great Smokies LIFE Coaching

03/11/2014

The other end of the spectrum from premarital coaching is post marital. Unfortunately it happens and life coaching can be very helpful in divorce recovery.

02/27/2014

The ex-spouse is an issue that the new couple needs to communicate about. Topics could include visitation with children, how much communication will be done with the ex-spouse and how will be carried out. What about jealousy issues? There are many issues here that can damage the new relationship if not worked out prior to the conflict arising.

02/24/2014

In-Laws. As stereotypical as it sounds couples have divorced over conflicts about in-laws. Issues such as who to see on holidays, the amount of visiting and telephone calls should all be addressed before marriage. If there are ex-in laws who are grandparents of children involved in the new marriage, this needs to be addressed as well.

02/18/2014

Step-children. This has been touched on before but want to reiterate. Topics such as discipline, chores, curfews, visitation must be thoroughly discussed and an agreement, preferably written, should be in place before the marriage occurs. Failure to do this can have very negative results.

02/12/2014

Relationship ghosts. Most of us have been hurt, sometimes badly in past relationships. In subsequent relationships it is very easy to expect ,unconsciously , those same hurts from the new partner and this can be a deadly trap. It is important to recognize that this is a new partner and not project this on them.

02/05/2014

Money. Finances are a major source of marital strife. A wise couple will have a budget they have both worked on prior to the marriage. There will be a agreement on how money is spent. A twice monthly discussion after marriage about the household bills and finances is a good idea. Regular and open communication is important.

02/04/2014

When dating/engaged it is natural for both to put their best foot forward and to hide or minimize scars and warts. Most couples do discuss issues before they are married but this tends to be subjects they are pretty much in agreement on anyway while other, more prickly issues are glossed over in an effort to "not rock the boat" or thinking "this will work out on its own" and this line of reasoning can have tragic results.

01/31/2014

Pre-marital coaching. Do you really need it? I mean, you are in love, know each other well and are just sure that this is "the one" and your on your way to a lifetime of wedded bliss. With nearly 50 percent of first marriages ending in divorce and subsequent marriages failing at an even higher rate pre-marital coaching could save the prospective couple a lot of grief. More to come.

01/25/2014

Medication and depression: In some cases a person may be chronically depressed and need long-term medication treatment . In the main however it can be useful to help a person stabilize their emotions so that they can work on change. It is important to not come to use the medication as a crutch and not work on the changes that will benefit you in the long run.

01/24/2014

01/22/2014

Give your new thoughts and behavior time to work. Remember that it may take a little while to work . Don't be too impatient but also do not be reluctant to modify or change your treatment when it becomes apparent that what your doing isn't working. Flexibility is a key component to mental health .

01/16/2014

Begin to examine ways to do things differently in regards to your situation. This will often involve changing how you think and behave in regards to the situation. Stopping "all or nothing" or "self defeating " thoughts and learning new behavioral responses.