RELATIONSHIPS CAN BE COMPLEX

Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, friends, spouses, children: No matter who you are, you have a myriad of relationships that make up your world. Many of these relationships have informed your sense of who you are, and many of these relationships are the product of you giving yourself to someone else.

It is a fact that relationships can get messy sometimes, and even the healthiest relationships go through upheaval. Whatever you are dealing with: communication, trust, betrayal, abuse, loss, sex, money, co-parenting – whatever the complication might be– no one wants to stay stuck in the problem. Talking with a neutral third-party has been shown to be effective in resolving relationship issues.

Relationship issues are a specialty of mine, and you will find compassion and encouragement in a comfortable environment. We can help you find solutions to work through “the mess” in a way that is neutral, respectful, and encourages each party to be contribute to the solution in a way that is healthy and meaningful.

THERAPY FOR SETTING BOUNDARIES

Setting boundaries and stopping people-pleasing behaviors can be challenging for many individuals, but therapy can be a powerful tool for addressing these issues.

Boundary-setting involves establishing clear limits and boundaries with others in order to protect your own physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This can involve setting limits on what you are willing to do for others, saying "no" to requests or demands that are not in your best interest, and communicating your needs and boundaries in a clear and assertive way.

People-pleasing, on the other hand, involves constantly trying to meet the needs and expectations of others, even at the expense of your own well-being. This can lead to feelings of resentment, anger, and burnout, and can interfere with your relationships and overall well-being.

Therapy can help individuals who struggle with boundary-setting and people-pleasing to identify the underlying causes of these behaviors, and develop more effective coping strategies. This can involve techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

In therapy, you can learn how to set healthy boundaries and communicate your needs in a clear and assertive way. You can also learn how to let go of the need to please others and prioritize your own well-being.

Overall, therapy can be a valuable tool for individuals looking to overcome challenges with boundary-setting and people-pleasing. If you are interested in exploring this type of therapy, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in these issues to learn more.

WHAT ARE BOUNDARIES?

In order to have healthy relationships, it is important to set boundaries. Boundaries are like lines that we draw around ourselves to protect our physical and emotional space. They help us to feel safe and to maintain our own sense of self.

There are many different types of boundaries, but some common examples include:

Physical boundaries: These boundaries relate to our physical bodies and personal space. We might set physical boundaries in order to feel safe and comfortable, or to protect our personal belongings

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SET BOUNDARIES?

Setting boundaries is important because it allows us to create a healthy, balanced life. It helps us to take control of our time, our energy, and our lives. When we set boundaries, we are able to make choices that are in alignment with our values and our goals. Additionally, setting boundaries allows us to respect ourselves and others.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU NEED TO SET A BOUNDARY?

There are many signs that you may need to set a boundary with someone in your life. If you find yourself constantly feeling drained, resentful, or angry towards someone, it may be time to set a boundary. Other signs include feeling like you are always accommodating or sacrificing for the other person, or feeling like you can never please them no matter what you do. If you are in a constant state of stress or anxiety because of your interactions with someone, it is also a sign that you need to set a boundary. If you are not sure whether or not you need to set a boundary, it is always a good idea to consult with a therapist or counselor who can help you assess the situation and make a decision.

If you are looking for support in establishing boundaries in your relationships, whether at home or in the workplace, working with an experienced psychotherapist can be beneficial.  We can work together to help you identify your needs and wants and work with you to set realistic boundaries that work for both parties involved. Contact me today for questions or to schedule an appointment. You may call me at (562) 888-1856, or email me at any time at info@helencaldwell.org. I look forward to hearing from you.