Hearts as Gold psychotherapy
Let’s make difference your Strength
There comes a moment in conflict when one can choose to let their walls down, where hearts soften and turn to gold.
Healing is both a softening and a strengthening of one’s heart. Risk is required.
“The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions.” — Alfred Adler
Happy couples do not have much more in common than unhappy couples; they simply Move collaboratively through difference.
Sameness is not a reliable predictor of marital (familial, relational, …) success. Difference invites us into the crucible of growth, where we learn to transcend our lesser selves.
(Based on research from Drs. John and Julie Gottman)
What we’ll work toward
Argentina, 2014
Do you find yourself
Unable to quiet ruminating thoughts or get out of your head
Struggling with OCD or Scrupulosity
Unable to trust—yourself or others
Over-accommodating, people-pleasing, or avoiding conflict to keep the peace
Looking successful on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain on the inside
In the same relationship patterns, even when you want something different
Carrying grief that has made it difficult to feel fully present in your life
Longing to enjoy life, but just getting through it
Instead, would you like to Experience
Hope, peace, and inner stillness
Self-confidence
Mental and emotional clarity
Groundedness amid uncertainty
Self-trust
Freedom from people-pleasing
Calm without needing to control
Emotional flexibility
Thoughtful responses rather than knee-jerk reactions
Benefits of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Faith expansion and spiritual maturity
and more…
Recommended Books
How To Meditate Pema Chödrön
When Things Fall Apart Pema Chödrön
The Courage to Be Disliked Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga
The Courage to Be Happy Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga
No Mud, No Lotus Thich Nhat Hanh
Passionate Marriage Dr. David Schnarch
Everything Isn’t Terrible Dr. Kathleen Smith
True to You Dr. Kathleen Smith
Evidence-based Methods