Love and Life Toolbox

09/05/2025

Nice piece on the limitations of relying on chatbots for mental health support in lieu of a living and breathing human being.

AI cannot provide the depth, empathy, and personalized care that human therapists offer

08/01/2025

Yes.

It takes humility to admit you could be wrong about yourself. About your limits. About the future. Pride whispers that you’re already doing all you can — that growth is for other people, or that you’re too damaged to change. It’s a lie. Your problems, your past, your pain? They’re not more powerful than your willingness to grow. Being humble enough to allow for possibility — to say “maybe I could do better, maybe there’s more in me” — opens the door to every good thing God wants to build in your life. Don’t shut that door before you even try.

Comment “NOW” to get a guide on breaking pride’s hold.

07/30/2025

"Suffering is not all bad. It can have a therapeutic power. It can help us open our eyes. Once we start facing the suffering within us we shall want to search for its cause, which means finding out what we have been feeding ourselves, what kinds of nutriments we are consuming that have brought about our suffering. We also want to find out the causes of the suffering in our society, but with this we need to be careful and exercise moderation. Being overwhelmed by too much suffering can destroy our capacity to love or to take appropriate action. We have to know our limits and find a healthy balance between being in touch with what is terrible in life and what is wonderful. We need to know how to water the good, positive seeds within us so we can bear the more distressing things."
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Interbeing"

07/17/2025

This is a hot topic in my professional world. Will therapists also be replaced? Hmmm....I don't think so.

Key Takeaways AI tools can be helpful, but they can’t replace the emotional depth of a trained human therapist. The question of whether AI can truly

06/26/2025

Silence can be dangerous. Get more comfortable telling your partner what's going on for you.

Uncover the subtle but destructive relationship killer that often goes unnoticed. Learn how to identify and address this hidden threat to your relationship.

06/20/2025

This is a common issue in my therapy practice. A strong desire to shift out of a negative self concept can be a powerful catalyst for change.

A common issue I support people around in my therapy practice is around helping people make changes in how they see themselves. A strong desire to shift

05/04/2025

Feeling stuck emotionally or in your relationships? You might want to take a peek under the hood...

A look at family of origin work; who might benefit and what is to be expected in this type of therapy. In LoveAndLifeToolbox.com.

04/01/2025

The pursuit of self-improvement is a process that can unfold over your lifetime, a journey of uncovering your authentic self and building a life of meaning and fulfillment.

A deep dive into how to work on yourself for improved self-esteem and improved relationships. Lisa Brookes Kift, LMFT and Founder of LoveAndLifeToolbox.com

03/26/2025

This sounds amazing.

From the Yorkshire Moors in England to the South African wilderness, star bathing is emerging as a transformative wellness trend – offering awe, calm and a cosmic reset.

03/05/2025

In my experience, many couples would benefit from understanding this before they begin the couples therapy process.

Maximize the benefits of couples therapy with these practical tips. Learn how to engage effectively, set goals, and enhance your relationship growth.

03/01/2025

Betrayals can be big or small but all require the same elements to be successfully worked through. A bigger breach needs extra effort but has the potential to lead to a better relationship than you had before, with an honest look at all aspects that led to it. (Once accountability is fully addressed.)

02/27/2025

A woman asks me how to regain trust in her relationship when she feels threatened by a female friend of his.

A question from a woman uncomfortable with her boyfriend's relationship with his female friend to Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT, of LoveAndLifeToolbox.com.