Blog
4 Common Marriage Myths: Good Things Utah
Marriage is one of the most important relationships, but it can also be one of the most confusing! There are so many false beliefs and marriage myths perpetuating about what a good marriage really looks like.
How to Communicate Your Needs: Family Looking Up Podcast
I recently sat down with the ladies of "Family Looking Up" to discuss how women's assertiveness can help our families. The conversation included clearing up misconceptions about assertiveness (such as the false idea that it equates to being aggressive or selfish) and also how women can view their own needs as being equal to that of their children and their partner. If you're interested in learning more about how to improve your communication style, practicing self-compassion, and saying no without guilt, take a listen!
How To Get Along With In-Laws: Good Things Utah
Marriage is a wonderful change, but it certainly brings some challenges, not just for the couple involved, but also for the in-law relationship dynamic. Here are my top 3 tips for daughter-in-laws and mother-in-laws:
4 Ways To Manage Smartphones & Family Relationships: Good Things Utah
Smartphones are here to stay, and they can be a wonderful way to stay in touch with friends, work in our careers, and keep up on what's going on in the world. However, in some ways they are becoming a huge problem for so many families. Kids and adults are so connected to our phones that we often become disconnected from each other! Here are some tips to manage tech overload and scale back:
4 Tips To Successfully Co-Parent After A Divorce: Good Things Utah
Divorces are traumatic, painful, and messy; there are so many raw emotions to work through, but if children are involved, the most important priority for two adults is to work to make sure that their kids are well taken care of. Here are four tips to successfully co-parent following a divorce:
Why Worry Isn't Love: KSL Mom Show
It seems we worry a lot, don't we? We worry about our husbands, we worry about our family finances, we worry about what's happening in the world, but perhaps most of all, we worry about our kids. And while worry is understandable (and certainly something that every mother has experienced!), it really doesn't do us any good at all.
Mormon Culture and The Problem of Assertiveness: A Thoughtful Faith Podcast
As a therapist, one of my favorite things to observe and write about is the intersection of religious beliefs and mental/emotional health. That's why I was so excited to sit down with Gina Colvin of "A Thoughtful Faith" podcast and discuss Mormon culture in terms of assertiveness, specifically challenges LDS women may experience when it comes to being assertive. Here are some of the main themes from our conversation:
How To Avoid Being a "Momster" With Our Kids
I recently sat down with Lindsay Aerts of KSL's "The Mom Show" to discuss some ideas from my book "The Assertiveness Guide for Women," specifically assertiveness in parenting. We talked about how difficult it is can be to express ourselves to our children is ways that are effective and firm but still kind; no one wants to be a nag, a "momster," but sometimes it's a real challenge to keep our patience.
How to Help Your Child Learn Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a topic that has received a lot of attention from psychology and wellness gurus in recent years. It refers to being present in the moment and cultivating an awareness, non-judgment, and acceptance of one's feelings, thoughts, and body. There are numerous benefits of mindfulness; those who regularly engage in meditative mindfulness practices report reduced stress, better sleep, improved productivity, lower levels of stress and bodily discomfort and pain, and even weight loss.
Do Your Kids Define You?: Studio 5
Being a good parent requires a tremendous amount of time, love, and energy, but what happens when a Do your kids define you?well-meaning mom or dad becomes too enmeshed in their children's lives? Over-involvement can unknowingly do damage to kids, who then become responsible for their parents' well-being and happiness. On the other hand, parents who can draw a separation between themselves and their children are emotionally healthier and are actually able to give more to their families.