How to Give a Good Apology

Why People Stay in Abusive Relationships 

Many people wonder “If you are being abused by your partner, why would you ever stay?”.  May seem like common sense to many, however the answer is much more complex than that and depends on the individual situation one finds themselves in.  It is never easy to end a relationship, even an unhealthy one.  Below are some of the reasons why people stay in abusive relationships. 

The hormone oxytocin has been associated with being called the ''cuddle hormone", “the bonding chemical” and “trust hormone”.  It plays a significant role in human attachments and bonding in childhood and our later intimate relationships.  Research has shown it to be associated with our ability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships and healthy psychological boundaries with other people.   During pregnancy and postpartum, a woman's body is stimulated with oxytocin to nurture her child in order to establish a social bond that ensure the child’s surv

After over 30 years of academic research into what works and what doesn’t in relationships, John Gottman (2012) appears to have summed up the essential elements of a successful relationship into a single word: attunement. So what is attunement? How do you get it? How does one get more of it? What does one do if it is missing in a relationship? These questions are the nuts and bolts behind successful relationships--and not just with lovers.

In a recent study, Dr. Shiri Cohen and her colleagues looked at empathy in 156 heterosexual couples in committed relationships.

Why Choose An Imago Relationship Therapist?

Imago Relationship Therapy will teach you valuable skills which will provide safety, support, compassion; enhance communication; resolve frustrations, heal past hurts; and restore passion and playfulness.

What Is Imago Relationship Therapy?

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) was developed by Harville Hendrix, PhD. and Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD. Imago states that we are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, we are healed in relationship. Imago Relationship Therapy provides the necessary tools for relationship transformation so that you get the love you want, and keep the love you find. 

Enemies, Strangers, and Allies. 

Most people have experienced all three of these patterns at one time or another in their lives. 

The question is, “Which one is going to predominate in your relationship?”

 There are 3 ways that people can react when they disagree. I’m going to show how the third option can turn an argument into a more intimate, collaborative conversation.

Relational Needs

One of the important concepts in Integrative Psychotherapy is that of Relational Needs. Relational needs are the needs that grow out of human interaction, and being aware of these needs in ourselves and in others can help develop and nurture human relationships. Being aware of these needs can also help us gain insight into the feelings, behaviours and motivations in ourselves and others.