Perinatal wellness NYC

05/04/2025

Maintaining a healthy relationship involves more than just managing conflicts; it requires a foundation of positivity. Dr. John Gottman’s research emphasizes the importance of the 5:1 ratio, where for every negative interaction, there should be five positive ones. This balance fosters emotional resilience and strengthens the bond between partners. 

Practical Ways to Enhance Positivity:
• Express Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and verbalize gratitude for your partner’s actions and qualities.
• Engage in Shared Activities: Participate in hobbies or tasks you both enjoy to build camaraderie.
• Offer Physical Affection: Simple gestures like holding hands or hugging can reinforce connection.
• Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest and understanding when your partner speaks.
• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate each other’s successes, no matter how small.

By consciously integrating these positive behaviors, couples can create a robust foundation that makes navigating challenges together more manageable.

03/04/2025

At Brooklyn Center for Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, we are a collective of compassionate therapists specializing in evidence-based approaches to support your mental health journey. Our services include individual therapy for anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, PTSD, and perinatal mental health; couples and family counseling; and coaching and consultation services. We utilize a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the Gottman Method for couples, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Our goal is to provide personalized, effective care to help you navigate life’s challenges. Visit us at brooklynmindful.com to learn more!

03/04/2025

Gottman Tip for Stronger Relationships:

✨ Turn Toward Instead of Away ✨

Your partner constantly makes small “bids” for connection—whether it’s sharing a thought, seeking your attention, or offering affection. When you turn toward instead of ignoring or dismissing, you strengthen trust and intimacy.

A simple nod, smile, or engaged response can make all the difference. Small moments build lasting love! ❤️

03/04/2025

The Four Horsemen & Their Antidotes

Every couple argues—but it’s how you argue that matters. According to Drs. John and Julie Gottman, four behaviors can predict the breakdown of a relationship if left unchecked: criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. These are known as The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

The good news? Each one has a healthy antidote:
• Criticism → Use a gentle startup: Express your feelings with “I” statements and a clear, kind request.
• Defensiveness → Practice taking responsibility, even for a small part of the conflict.
• Contempt → Build a culture of appreciation and respect: regularly express gratitude and admiration.
• Stonewalling → Learn to self-soothe: take a break, regulate your emotions, and come back when you’re calm.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about practicing awareness, repair, and growth together. Small, consistent shifts create lasting change.

03/04/2025

Love Maps: Deepening Connection in Your Relationship

A strong relationship starts with truly knowing your partner. Gottman’s Love Maps help couples stay emotionally connected by building a mental roadmap of each other’s world. What are your partner’s biggest stresses? Who are their closest friends? What’s a dream they haven’t shared yet?

Regularly asking open-ended questions—like “What’s something you’ve been thinking about a lot lately?”—keeps your bond strong, even as life changes. When you take the time to know your partner’s inner world, you create emotional safety and deepen intimacy. Keep exploring, stay curious, and watch your relationship grow.

13/03/2025

Protect Your Peace: Setting Boundaries for Mental Health

Your mental health matters, and setting boundaries is an act of self-care—not selfishness.

✨ You are allowed to:
✔ Say no without guilt
✔ Take time for yourself
✔ Protect your energy from negativity
✔ Limit access to people who drain you
✔ Prioritize your emotional well-being

Healthy boundaries help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster healthier relationships. The people who truly care about you will respect them.

What’s a boundary you’re working on? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️

03/10/2023

You exist outside and separate from this difficult experience. You existed before this challenging period and you will exist after. You are not your stress or your anxiety. There is more to you.

30/09/2021

Our virtual open house is 10/3 at noon! Spend time with our team, talk about your work and connect with mental health professionals. This is a pivotal time to deeply understand the resources we have available to all of us in regards to overall mental wellness -- join us!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1211052135984184?ref=newsfeed

Our virtual open house is 10/3 at noon! Spend time with our team, talk about your work and connect with mental health professionals. This is a pivotal time to deeply understand the resources we have available to all of us in regards to overall mental wellness -- join us!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84493587568?pwd=THZPVnlNeG1aMC9xRmhyUlp1NTdDQT09&fbclid=IwAR30_Q3XlZh8nHkRwjzGF53wtKg0vl8edtF44ZMmIqYGe0IkAmjxyYEeoMM