Blog

A Wonderful Speech by John Welwood for Those in Long Term Relationships Struggling to Stay Inspired and Motivated

January 1, 2017
John Welwood, a California-based therapist and author, has penned a beautiful speech I wanted to share here for those feeling discouraged and stuck in their own relationship. I hope it may normalize your experience, deepen your perspective, and perhaps even encourage and inspire you to take new steps and seek support if you long to feel more connected, respected, and cherished in your relationship.
 
Intimate Relationship ...   read more

A Free & Valuable Resource As the New Year Begins...

January 13, 2015
Understandably, not everyone feels called or drawn to make New Years Resolutions. What I love about Susannah Conway, a blogger from London,  is that she has created a totally  free, very meaningful packet  one can print out at home  to reflect on the year that has just passed,  much more intentionally confront anticipated obstacles in the new year, and sculpt one's days with more focus and direction. ...   read more

Why Premarital Counseling Is Worth Your Time And Investment / Portland, Oregon

December 14, 2014
 
 
If you are fortunate enough to have found someone who inspires you to say a big, resounding "YES!"  to each other for the rest of your lives, my suggestion is you lovingly owe it to yourselves to invest  as much energy towards the future of  your emotional well-being together as much as you might  be putting towards your wedding, retirement planning, or buying a house.  Premarital ...   read more

How To Have A Successful Counseling Experience

July 30, 2014
 
 
In the time since becoming a therapist, I have yet to have one client ask me where I received my master's degree, or where I did my training, or a word about my licenses. What clients want to know is, "Can you help me? Can you offer me anything at all that will bring me some relief from the pain I'm in?" Some also have other questions they may or may not be as likely to articulate, questions such as "Are ...   read more

"Gate 22" & Miscellaneous Thoughts on Therapy...

July 28, 2014
Gate C22
by Ellen Bass
At gate C22 in the Portland airport
a man in a broad-band leather hat kissed
a woman arriving from Orange County.
They kissed and kissed and kissed. Long after
the other passengers clicked the handles of their carry-ons
and wheeled briskly toward short-term parking,
the couple stood there, arms wrapped around each other
like he'd just staggered off the boat at Ellis Island,
like she'd been ...   read more

Three Traits of Exceptional Partners

July 25, 2014
In the years since becoming a therapist, and especially in my work with couples as an Advanced Trained Gottman Couples therapist here in Portland, Oregon, I've noticed a number of traits that genuinely happy and fulfilled couples seem to have in common. If you are looking to take your relationship to the next level, consider raising your personal standards in any of the following ways below, remembering that if you want ...   read more

Five Ways You May be Sabotaging Your Relationships

July 24, 2014
We always hear about the foods and chemicals that quietly erode our health. But, while we don't hear about them as frequently, there are similarly dangerous threats to our relationships. The sooner you identify any of these five things in your relationship, the better your chances are of saving it. 
1. You criticize your partner more than you express appreciation. Think for a moment about ...   read more