![]() I’m in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like? Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy. Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust. Without trust the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last. Romantic relationships, like friendships and family connections should feel mutually respectful. Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner’s attempts to communicate. If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force - a partner putting their hands on you - is a full-stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues. Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork - a satisfying feeling of shared effort and shared emotions. In a good relationship you should be able to comfortably say “I know my partner has my back.” Call our Tallahassee office if you would like to explore couples counseling.
0 Comments
![]() My child has disruptive behaviors and can’t focus. I think it’s ADHD and it’s exhausting me. What can I do? First, helping your child. Childhood ADHD is best diagnosed and treated through the combined efforts of a primary care physician and a mental health provider who can put together a thorough developmental and behavioral history. Treatment consists of emotional and behavioral regulation skills taught at school and home sometimes accompanied by medication. Second, helping yourself. Raising kids is hard, and ADHD can make it harder. Be patient. Recognize that the behaviors are not intentional but just the best way the child knows how to handle things. Have self-compassion. Don’t beat yourself up about being stressed out or fantasizing about flying away to a quieter place. Parental stress is uncomfortable but very common. Finally have hope. Children mature with a mixture of love and boundaries. And sometimes that high energy and hyper focus can be a unique strength later in a child’s life. We offer counseling in Tallahassee and Apalachicola that helps individuals impacted by attention challenges, and also helps families work as a team to address ADHD. |
AuthorTerance is a mental health therapist focusing on children and families. Archives
February 2025
Categories |