Emotions are contagious. And the closer we are to others, the more time we spend with them, the more likely it is that we feel their emotions and are affected by them, sometimes “catching” them. On the one hand, this ability to sense our partner’s emotions forms the basis for … [Read more...]
Stanford Continuing Studies Course: Enhanced Dialogue for Couples March 5 & 12, 2016
In this course, we will learn from the evidence-based work of John Gottman and others who are researching couples’ dynamics. We will also look at the neurological basis for our responses to each other and the optimal conditions for receptivity, expressiveness, and learning. … [Read more...]
Difficult Conversations: The “Doorbell” Strategy
Difficult conversations epitomize the concept of crisis as a moment of risk as well as opportunity. Much of the quality of relationships is determined by how well we handle difficult conversations. Handled well, they further trust and intimacy; handled poorly, they can damage … [Read more...]
Repair After Injury
We are not able to dance closely without sometimes stepping on each other’s toes, trampling or loosing track of each other. And attachment research tells us that secure attachments happen in relationships where there is connection, then disruption of connection, followed by … [Read more...]
The Power of an Inspiring Vision
Each of us holds inside of us a heartfelt longing for an ideal relationship with a life partner. It is one of our most precious dreams. Sometimes we know what it is; sometimes we have even talked openly about it to each other. Often it lives inside of us only partially guessed … [Read more...]