Three Toxic Relationship Behaviors: Part 2 – Up, Up & Away

By
Couple Arguing

Research indicates that a powerful predictor of relationship harm is when the conflict starts at a low intensity but then starts to quickly escalate so that, like a space ship, once it’s launched you are up, up, and away heading to the dark outer rim of reason and emotional control. This is when partners become “flooded”, a reference to the brain releasing stress hormones, increased heart rate, and lizard brain survival instincts with listening and problem-solving skills not accesable. The frontal lobe, which controls impulse control and executive function is on pause – “Houston we have a problem”

Three Toxic Relationship Behaviors: Part 2 – Up, Up & Away Continue

Three Toxic Relationship Behaviors: Part 1 of 3

By

The couples at risk are the ones where one or more of these harmful behaviors are pervasive and occurring over time. The lack of connection from the harmful behavior makes repairs less likely leading to escalating conflict and eventually partner withdrawal. his first toxic relationship behavior refers to a pattern in the relationship where the partner’s ideas, thoughts, and feelings don’t seem to make a difference, or have any impact, acknowledgement or respect. The partner feels like they don’t have a voice or any power.

Three Toxic Relationship Behaviors: Part 1 of 3 Continue

Try This Relationship Hack That takes 5.6 seconds

By

Once you set this up with your partner it literally takes less than 6 seconds to put this relationship tool in action. As a couple therapist in private practice for over 40 years I learned from research, observations, and from the couples I worked with that once couples learn a intervention or communication tool the chances for ongoing success in its use increases a lot when partners understand not only how to use the tool, but also know why it works.

Try This Relationship Hack That takes 5.6 seconds Continue

Common Conversation Mistakes: Part 1

By

We have learned from research the fastest and most effective way to build trust in a relationship. Before getting to the bottom line on building trust, let’s set the stage. You may have heard the expression, “Relationships are complex”. I imagine most people would agree with that statement. In any relationship there are inevitably going to be times when partners feel confused about what just happened in an interaction that went south.

Common Conversation Mistakes: Part 1 Continue

Same Arguments, Here is How to Break the Cycle

By

My boyfriend and I rarely fight — and when we do, it seems to always come back to the same issue. I’m a more social person than he is. I like to go to occasional parties together and sometimes host friends at our place. He never wants to go to parties and and doesn’t like to host. We’ve spoken about it, but it continues to come up and be an issue, especially when I ask him to go to parties with me and he refuses. How do I keep this argument from resurfacing?

Same Arguments, Here is How to Break the Cycle Continue

Scroll to Top