successful holidays

How to Set Yourself (and Your Family) Up for Success this Holiday Season

DESIGNED BY UNSPLASH “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.” —Bob Hope For some people, this truly is the “most wonderful time of the year.”  There is a constant barrage of friend and family gatherings, the special dinners, the White Elephants, the festive activities, the service projects. For many, […]

repair attemts

Relationship Repair 101

DESIGNED BY UNSPLASH “Like gardens, relationships need tending to.” ~ Peg Streep You just had a major fight with your significant other. You are moping around the house, avoiding each other, because you both said some pretty hurtful things. Then you go to bed feeling discouraged and lonely, wondering how you can ever bounce back […]

7 Practical Steps to Cool Down in the Face of Conflict-Cluff Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy

7 Practical Steps to Cool Down in the Face of Conflict

DESIGNED BY FREEPIK We have all had conversations where we started to talk calmly about something inconsequential with our partner, but find ourselves in a boxing match where the viability of our relationship seems threatened.  To aid you in staying out of the boxing ring, try these seven ideas to diffuse conflict. In last month’s […]

How to Stay Connected During Conflict

DESIGNED BY UNSPLASH Some degree of conflict is unavoidable in lasting relationships. Whether it is your partner, sister, roommate, classmate, coworker, family member, or friend, you are bound to disagree with those with whom you associate closely. The good news is there are ways to both hear and be heard in these tense moments!  Read […]