Conflict is an opportunity for growth and intimacy. When we have a conflict, confrontation, or argument this is a moment where we reveal something vulnerable about ourselves. It’s important to note that vulnerability isn’t necessarily self-disclosure, it can be an expression of disappointment or our needs. In order to do this, we are challenged to take a risk, which can be incredibly rewarding. In doing so, we give others the opportunity to respond to our wishes, desires or concerns, which is often an experience not shared with just anyone. So, when you and your partner engage in conflict, it is an opportunity for growth and deepening intimacy. The challenge is - most people simply don’t know how to handle conflict in a way that is helpful and productive. Most of us grew up in homes where conflict was divisive, scary or completely absent. It's our responsibility now as adults to learn how to relate and engage in a wholehearted and meaningful way Remember, if we’re engaging in conflict, our needs are not met, and we usually want something from the other person. Whether that's an apology, compromise, or alternative outcome we cannot get anything when we approach the other person in a harsh or contemptuous way. First, rather than saying things like, “You really messed up here,” begin statements with “I,” and make them about yourself and your feelings, like, “I feel frustrated when this happens.” It’s less accusatory, sparks less defensiveness, and helps the other person understand your point of view rather than feeling attacked. (Cont.) 👇 . . . #conflict #conflictresolution #couplestherapy #intimacy #angermanagement #therapyhelps #growthroughwhatyougothrough #personaldevelopment 
So happy to have received my copy today! My esteemed colleague, Silva Neves, has just published such an important book. Every clinician who works with sexual compulsivity must read it. Congrats @silvanevespsychotherapy 🙌👏🌈 . . . #compulsivesexualbehavior #sexuality #clinicalsexologist #sextherapy #traumatherapy #mentalhealthawareness #bookstagram #bookofthemonth 
One of the most empowering things we can do to heal our traumas and relational patterns is connect with our bodies and let them guide us. Learning how to feel safe and at home in ourselves is the key to connecting to our intuition. . . . . #relationshipgoals #intuition #trustyourintuition #sacredsexuality #sacredsexualityforwomen #conscioussexuality #consciousliving #consciousrelationships #bodyneutrality #trustyourgut #trustyourbody 
Our outer relationships are a mirror of the relationship and communication between our own inner male and female sides. A one-sided development of the inner man leads to ego, struggle, destructivity and a separation from life. A one-sided development of our inner woman leads to dependence and passivity. It is when we have developed a balance and harmony between both our male and female energies that a new spark of joy, creativity and eroticism arises within ourselves. . . Art | JoJoesArt . . . . #sacredsexuality #sacredsexualityforwomen #sacredfeminine #relationships #relationshipsgoals #consciousrelationships #conscioussexuality #spirituality 
How many of us have told ourselves that we can only grant self-love if we’ve met certain conditions? We, consciously or unconsciously, say to our bodies, “I’ll only love you if you’re ten pounds lighter.” Sometimes we believe “I only deserve to love myself if other people love me.” Don’t put off love for yourself, don’t wait for certain conditions to be met. At any moment, in any day, you — and only you — have the power to grant yourself unconditional self-love. The relationship we have with ourselves sets the tone for every other relationship we have. . . . #selflove #selfcare #relationshipgoals #sacredsexuality #sacredfemininity #spirituality #posttraumaticgrowth #personaldevelopment #loveyourself 
Justice . . . . #georgefloyd #justiceforgeorgefloyd #guilty 
Inner peace begins the moment we choose not to allow another person or event to control our emotions. . . . . #selfcaresunday #personaldevelopment #psychotherapist #lifecoaching #quoteoftheday #boundaries #consciousrelationships 
What is the “Shadow Self”? The “shadow self” was first conceived by 20th century analytical psychologist Carl Jung. It is an archetype that forms part of the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, instincts, impulses, weaknesses, desires, perversions, and embarrassing fears. This archetype is often described as the darker side of the psyche, representing wildness, chaos and the unknown. Jung believed that this latent energy is present in all of us, in many instances forming a strong source of creative energy. We are all born pure, like blank canvases. But at some point during our childhood development, we learn knowledge that teaches us to separate things into good and evil. That’s how our shadows are born and we begin to divide ourselves into multiple parts. Furthermore, in our cultural socialization process, we begin to sort out those traits within us that are acceptable to society (the Persona), and those that are unacceptable (which are later hidden away – the Shadow). This is where the Persona and Shadow Self go hand-in-hand: the Persona is the lovable face we present to the world while the Shadow is the face we hide from the world. The creation of the inauthentic but socially-acceptable Persona birthed the creation of the authentic but damnable Shadow. Both are inseparable. Art | Derek Fordjour . . . #shadowwork #shadowself #childhoodtrauma #traumarecovery #personaldevelopment #personaldevelopmentjourney #relationships #sexuality #authenticity #authenticitymatters