Blog

When A Child Comes Out As LGBTQ: Good Things Utah Interview

I recently sat down to discuss "Do's" and "Don'ts" of what to do and say when a child comes out as LGBTQ. This can be a difficult experience for parents, especially if they are surprised by it. Here are some ways to show love and support (as well as some things to avoid):

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Navigating Faith Crises in Marriage: Listen, Learn, & Love Podcast

Richard Ostler and I discuss how to amplify women's voices in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also talk about ways to navigate a faith crisis in a marriage.

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4 Ways To Offer A Sincere Apology: Good Things Utah

Developing a close and healthy relationship with a romantic partner inevitably means that at times, both individuals will take missteps. While it's normal to make mistakes, the way we respond to our own actions and words can either strengthen or detract from the relationship. When you find that you've said or done something wrong, here are some strategies to offer a sincere and meaningful apology: 

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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:

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How to Achieve Emotional Intelligence in Marriage: Good Things Utah

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize emotion and to use it to improve your life and your relationships. It is truly one of the most important skills you can develop as a human being, and yet it's not something we seem to talk about very often. Here are some ways to work to achieve Emotional Intelligence in your marriage. 

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How to Have A Tough Conversation: Good Things Utah

If you have any kind of close relationship, you've almost certainly experienced needing to have a tough conversation. Maybe it's about children, in-laws, unmet expectations, but when concerns arise (and they do), you need to talk about it. But when emotions are high and there's a lot at stake, things can quickly get derailed. Inspired by my research, personal experiences, and my years as a clinician, I've developed an acronym that can be used as a tool to navigate these difficult discussions. It's called "OSCAR."

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4 Easy Ways To Strengthen Your Marriage: Good Things Utah

When we think of strengthening our marriage relationship, it's easy to think of big, dramatic actions, like going to therapy or buying expensive gifts for our spouse, but renowned marriage researcher Dr. John Gottman says that it's actually the little things that make all the difference. Here are 4 easy ways to improve your marriage: 

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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.

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The Secret To A Happier Marriage: Good Things Utah

Recently, I was interviewed by "Good Things Utah" as to what is the secret to a happier, healthier marriage. And really, who doesn't want this kind of marriage? One in which both partners feel connected, valued, and loved. From my 20+ years of experience as a clinical counselor, I've found that fostering the skill of empathy can really make all the difference for couples.

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