Five Actions a Therapist for Relationships Recommends You Take

Do you sometimes feel like your relationships could be better? Do you find yourself struggling to connect with others, or feeling frustrated or disappointed by the people in your life? If so, you are not alone. As relationship therapists, we see our patients experiencing this more and more frequently, which is why we wanted to dive into this topic. 

As you know, relationships are an essential part of our lives, and they can have a significant impact on our happiness, well-being, and overall quality of life. But fostering positive relationships takes effort and intentionality. In this blog post, our relationship therapists will explore some of the most effective strategies for building and maintaining positive relationships, with a personal touch inspired by our founder, Jenna Lancor, and her own experiences and insights.

Be authentic and vulnerable

One of the keys to building positive relationships is to be authentic and vulnerable. This means being honest and transparent about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even if they are difficult or uncomfortable to share. When we share our authentic selves with others, we create a sense of trust and intimacy that can deepen our relationships and create a stronger bond.

When we spoke to Jenna about this topic, she said, "I often struggle with this myself. At times, I’m hesitant to share my true thoughts and feelings with others, fearing rejection or judgment. But when I work up the courage to do so,  I realize I’m then able to build deeper and more meaningful relationships with others and experience greater joy and fulfillment in my life," Which is what we're sure everyone is looking for! 

Practice active listening

As any relationship therapist at Head Firs Health will tell you, active listening is a powerful tool for building positive relationships. It involves fully engaging with the person you are talking to, by focusing on their words, body language, and emotions. This means avoiding distractions, interruptions, or preconceived notions, and, instead, listening with an open mind and an empathetic heart.

When we practice active listening, we demonstrate that we value and respect the other person's perspective, which can foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding. Whether you are having a difficult conversation or simply catching up with a friend, practicing active listening can help you to build a more positive approach to relationships.

Show appreciation and gratitude

Another way our online relationship counseling services recommend fostering positive relationships is to show appreciation and gratitude for the people in your life. This can involve expressing your gratitude verbally, through compliments or thank-you notes, or through acts of kindness, such as bringing them their favorite coffee (Yose) or Kombuchade,  or doing acts of service.

When we show appreciation and gratitude, we demonstrate that we value and cherish the people in our lives, which can strengthen our relationships and bring greater joy and positivity into our lives. By making it a point to regularly express gratitude to your partner, it can make a significant difference in the quality of your relationship and overall happiness.

Set boundaries and communicate effectively

One of the most important principles we teach in relationship therapy is how setting boundaries and communicating effectively are essential components of building positive relationships. This means being clear about your needs, preferences, and expectations, and expressing them in a respectful and assertive way. It also means respecting the boundaries and needs of others, and finding a balance that works for everyone.

When we show our patients how to set boundaries and communicate effectively in relationship counseling, we create a foundation of trust and mutual respect that can help them to navigate conflicts and challenges in their relationships. This can involve setting limits on the time or energy we devote to certain people or activities, or expressing our feelings and needs in a way that is honest and respectful.

Practice forgiveness and empathy

Finally, practicing forgiveness and empathy is a crucial aspect of building positive relationships. This means recognizing that we all make mistakes and have flaws, and choosing to forgive and empathize with others when they hurt us or fall short of our expectations. As you may learn in relationship counseling, It also means being willing to apologize and seek forgiveness when we make mistakes ourselves.

In relationship counseling, when we practice forgiveness and empathy, we create a culture of compassion and understanding that can strengthen our relationships and deepen our sense of connection and belonging. This can involve letting go of grudges or resentments or offering a kind word or gesture to someone who is struggling.

Ready to Have More Positive Relationships? Our Relationship Therapy Can Help

Are you interested in discussing this further? Reach out to an online relationship therapist on our team today, and we’d be happy to get started!

If you're looking to improve your relationships and cultivate a more positive and fulfilling social life, relationship therapy may be just what you need.  Relationship counseling with a skilled therapist can help you learn valuable communication and conflict resolution skills, explore your own patterns and tendencies in relationships, and work to create healthier, more supportive connections with the people in your life. 

Whether you're struggling with romantic relationships, family dynamics, or friendships, relationship therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to grow and develop as a person, leading to more positive relationships and a more satisfying social life overall. Whether it be for teletherapy in Chicago, counseling services in Chicago, or our mindset coaching, you'll be so glad you went to Head First Health for your therapy needs.