Natasha Sniatowsky- Therapist

Trust yourself. Some decisions are difficult. Breaking old patterns isn’t easy. ( Dr. Sweta Venkataramanan)

Most often in relationships, criticism is a negative attempt of expressing a need. Say that again a few times! Criticism is often an attempt to connect! Interesting, right? However, it’s incredibly unhelpful and rarely is our message well received. Consider offering up information regarding that need rather than blaming the other for not doing something or being someone you’re needing them to be in that moment.... You always do this, I hate it is criticism and unkind. Try offering up information regarding how you’re experiencing the situation, using an I statement.... I feel overwhelmed when this happens... I’m confused and I struggle when I hear you say....

Old ways won't open new doors, I use this saying a lot. I often ask my clients, what would you like to see change? Alright, then tell me what you've done in the past to instil this shift? What works and what hasn't?... We often find ourselves on autopilot, participating in old patterns that don't serve us in attaining our goals and getting to where we want and need to be. So, tell me, what can you do differently this time around that you haven't tried before?

There’s a difference between falling in love and choosing to continue to love. We have been taught to romanticize the falling in love period. We tend to lean in, or better yet dive in, to this more effortless adrenaline rush that is new love yet, often withdraw when we are required to work at keeping love.

https://translifeline.org/

The iceberg image really illustrates the deception of what you see versus what is truly occurring. What you see on the surface is usually only a very small fraction of what lies beneath. This illustration is an important reminder that we, the observer of another, never have all the information and, often, only hold a few details without context. And for those who struggle with anxiety, I hope this serves to validate how anxiety can manifest in a multitude of forms.... Edit: Chandeliering, a borrowed term from Brené Brown, is "when a seemingly calm person suddenly flies off the handle for no reason. In reality, they have pushed hurt and anxiety so deep for so long that a seemingly innocent comment or event suddenly sends them straight through the chandelier."