Reclaiming Your Love Story: Counseling for Relationships
“The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too.” Ernest Hemingway
Candid Relationship Challenges
“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” Henry Winkler
Prepare yourself for a candid exploration of the raw emotions, personal anecdotes, and eye-opening revelations that will shed light on relationship challenges. If you are in a relationship, you will be challenged. There is no getting around that. Think about all the relationships you have ever been in…What is the common factors that comes to mind?
Is it …
- Feelings of being unheard or not feeling validated.
- Insecurity because of past experiences of betrayal or dishonesty.
- Minor disagreements that escalate.
- Difficulties in maintaining emotional closeness or physical intimacy.
- Misalignment in core values, life goals, or future aspirations.
- Feelings of being ignored and undervalued.
- Disagreements in financial management and spending habits.
- Disapproval from extended family or social circles.
- Power struggles or imbalances who makes decisions.
- ALL OF THE ABOVE
Have you ever wondered why we would sign up for that? Well, we are human beings and relationship in one way or another will factor in.
Relationships have a way of putting all of our personal undealt issues under the microscope. We don’t choose who we love. We do choose to be in or not in a relationship. A healthy relationship requires 2 truths. Your truth and acknowledging the truth. Relationships have a way of unmasking and unleashing a whirlwind of emotions about the truths we keep secret, rigorously honest truths, and truths we avoid. In what ways do our previous experiences influence the idealized view we have of relationships? Do we find ourselves repeating patterns where we compromise our personal growth and happiness because the desire for a relationship takes precedence? Or could there be other factors at play?
Imagine a scenario where your genuine experience of love doesn’t align with cultural a or society’s predefined notions of relationships, yet you find yourself conforming to those expectations. Everyone around you may celebrate your relationships, but deep down, your heart knows the truth. You live a life where the love of an authentic relationships eludes you, and you never experience the joy of being truly loved in return.
In counseling, there is an opportunity to embrace your true self, unfiltered and unafraid. It takes courage to hear your own voice express the vulnerabilities of truth. Creating a future filled with genuine connections, growth, and unapologetic happiness starts here.
Frequent Relationship Topics
Infinite Diversity of Relationships
“If the feelings are mutual, the effort will be equal.” Mahatma Gandhi
Relationship dynamics can take on many forms, my friend, whether it’s monogamy, plural, open, or same-sex partnerships. Relationships by it’s very nature can bring about a whole lot of interpersonal complexity. I’m talking about the need for intentional communication, negotiating boundaries, and managing multiple emotional connections. It ain’t easy, folks. Balancing the needs and desires of all partners requires constant introspection and support.
Now, let’s talk about the challenges faced by Texans in non-traditional relationships. They’re living in a world that’s all about legal frameworks, norms, and expectations surrounding marriage, adoption, and child custody.
Unfortunately, they frequently face prejudice, bias, misunderstandings, and discrimination from their own loved ones and generaltional social circles.
Adding to the mix, three counties over, someone is on a soap box with a strong need to publicly voice their negative opinions on the matter. It’s enough to make you want to grab a megaphone and scream, “Mind your own business!”
Listen up, relationships can be a real rollercoaster ride emotionally. That’s why it’s crucial for individuals to build up their resilience. And one way to do that is by creating a strong support system, my friend. I’m talking about finding like-minded folks who get it. Seek out those online forums, support groups, and events where you can connect with others who truly understand your experiences. Trust me, it can make all the difference.
Ok, this is the therapist in me talking here…In any relationship do not forget about self-care, folks. It’s absolutely essential. Take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being. Remember, building partnerships that align with your values and desires is key.
My support is always available.
Shattered Illusions: Narcissistic Relationship Reality
“Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.” Osho
One of the most common questions I encounter is, ‘How I could have failed to recognize that my partner was a narcissist until it was too late?‘
We are we’re wired for attachments and social connection. It’s a need and so our inherent desire is to keep the relationships we’ve invested in. A Narcissist can be anyone: romantic partnerships, family relationships, friendships, and work relationships.
When relationships go wrong, it’s natural to look into yourself and ask maybe I’m to blame because this isn’t getting better. So, we keep investing in it. Unfortunately, the skills you would use in a health relationship will not work or change when the relationship is with a narcissist.
It’s challenging to acknowledge the abuse, the emotional and psychological manipulation because the Narcissist makes it difficult. You tell yourself, ‘There are wonderful moments.’ When you begin to believe that everything has changed, they will do or say something to let you know that too was deceptive.
In these relationships, the narcissist maintains control through use of gaslighting, manipulation, belittling, and exploiting your vulnerabilities:
- Gaslighting invalidates your reality, causing self-doubt.
- Manipulation involves lies, guilt, and shame to control thoughts and emotions.
- Exploiting insecurities maintains their control.
- Dismissing your feelings makes you feel unheard and invalidated.
- They will project their own faults and shortcomings onto you, like infidelity, blaming you for all problems in the relationship.
- They will use insults, criticism, and withholding affection or validation, to undermine any self-worth you have left.
- When you have no value to them, they will replace you.
It is possible to recover, first step isn’t trying to change that narcissistic person; rather stop blaming yourself. Give yourself permission to recognize that their behavior was not okay. To break free from the cycle of abuse, you have to recognize it. I will be here to support you. InfiniftePsychology101@gmail.com
CoDependency and Love Addiction
“Love can be the best thing in life. And it can be the absolute worst. It’s maddening and beautiful, and I’ll tell you, there’s nothing quite as intense.” Lisa Kleypas
Love is a powerful force that brings joy and meaning to our lives. But what happens when love transforms into an addiction, controlling our thoughts and actions? When we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of unhealthy relationships, seeking validation externally rather than within ourselves?
Many of us have experienced this struggle at some point. The longing for love and connection can lead us down unexpected paths. Love addiction isn’t about genuine affection; it’s about seeking validation from others to fill an emotional void. It’s like riding an endless wave of intense emotions, constantly chasing the next high but ultimately feeling empty.
Codependency is equally intricate, with one person excessively relying on another emotionally. This reliance can lead to patterns of enabling, caretaking, and neglecting one’s own needs, often to the detriment of both parties involved.
Breaking free from these patterns is a journey of transformation. It involves reclaiming your power, recognizing your inherent worth, and prioritizing self-love. This self-love is the fulfillment you’ve been seeking all along.
Love Addiction and Codependency share similarities in relying too heavily on others for emotional well-being, inadvertently leading to compromising behaviors out of fear of abandonment. Maintaining unhealthy love relationships exacts a steep toll on self-esteem and self-worth.
While Love Addiction revolves around an intense craving for the emotional highs of romantic love, Codependency focuses on caretaking and controlling the well-being of the other person. Therapy offers a means to confront the fear of loneliness, with the therapeutic relationship serving as its core.
If you’re stuck in relationships that don’t seem to work out, now is the perfect time to cultivate a life filled with healthy love, happiness, and genuine connections. Are you ready to take the first step?
A balanced love. "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu
Getting Started is Easy
Free 20 Min Chat
Invest in your happiness. Call today.
Book Appointment
If you’re ready to get started, book your first appointment.
Learn More About
Please refer to the ” Copyright Notice” tab for the comprehensive details of the copyright notice.
Copyright Notice: All content provided herein is protected by copyright law and is the intellectual property of Lynda M. LeClair LPC copyright owner. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other use of the content without explicit written authorization from the copyright owner is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. If you wish to use or reproduce any content, you must obtain written permission from the copyright owner. Any unauthorized use of the content may constitute infringement under applicable copyright laws. To inquire about the copyright owner, please contact the administrator of this platform.