DEALS: A Formula for Happiness
(written by guest writer A. Kyle Elder, Ph.D., Child Psychologist) We all want to be happy, but few of us are taught how to build a life that actually leads to happiness. We chase goals, collect achievements, and try to outrun our pain, only to discover that happiness isn’t found in the next big thing—it’s […]
Reacting to Toxic People
When you’re in a toxic relationship, it’s common to develop survival skills that you never intended to acquire. I never wanted to become a manipulator, but I’ve realized that I had adopted these behaviors just to survive. These are reactive behaviors, not reflections of who you truly are, but rather what you’ve become in order […]
Embracing Our Divine Sexual Nature: Finding Joy and Power in God’s Design
We are inherently sexual beings, crafted by God’s own hand, imbued with the remarkable ability to create life—a sacred and profoundly positive attribute. It is a testament to the benevolence of a Heavenly Father who entrusts us with this extraordinary capability to forge families, societies, and to know love, joy, and indeed, pleasure within the […]
Sorting of Incoming Ideas: Insights from the French Fry Machine Metaphor
We have been discussing the origin of ideas, thoughts, and information that come into our minds. I have met many who struggle with understanding why it is vital to become skilled at pre-sorting, or discerning the substance and origin of these ideas before processing them. The following metaphor has helped many to understand the concept […]
Rebuilding Trust in a Traumatized Relationship: A Spiritual and Psychological Approach
In any relationship, trust forms the bedrock of emotional intimacy and resilience. However, life sometimes throws experiences at us that damage this critical foundation, leading to a traumatized relationship. Rebuilding trust in such circumstances may appear an insurmountable task, but it isn’t impossible. Through a blend of spiritual and psychological tools, couples can reforge their […]
Triggers vs Alarms
In modern psychology, the term “triggers” refers to stimuli or events that evoke strong emotional or behavioral reactions in individuals, often associated with past traumatic experiences or deeply ingrained associations.
The Interdependent Symphony of Marriage
In the symphony of marriage, 1 Corinthians 11:11, rooted in the Corinthian context, and principles from LDS doctrine harmonize with 1 Corinthians 12 to illuminate the profound interdependency of husbands and wives.
If you don’t have the Spirit, don’t talk, and don’t listen
Before we can talk about what to do and what to say in the marriage repair process, I need to introduce you to the most fundamental principles of miraculous communication.
Circus Mirrors and Feedback Sessions
In a world where we are often judged by others and where we may inadvertently judge ourselves based on the opinions of those around us, it is important to remember that the only true and accurate reflection of our worth comes from a higher power. The phrase, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” highlights […]
Marriage, Relationships, and The Greenhouse Analogy
In this world, where societal influences often taint the view of marriage and relationships, there is a pressing need to clarify what truly builds a healthy and strong bond between partners. Despite the wealth of knowledge provided by psychologists and theorists, they sometimes fall short in comparison to insights gained from those who receive revelation […]
Embracing Imperfections and Fostering Compassion in Marriage
As a marriage repair specialist, I often find myself in sessions with couples who feel stuck in a loop of conflict and misunderstanding. These can be particularly challenging times for spouses who are navigating the complexities of parenthood. In recent sessions with one such couple, the insights gleaned became clear: In order to foster a […]
Overriding Fear in Marriage Repair
The struggle with intrusive thoughts can be a significant roadblock in the intricate world of relationships. Many of us, grounded in faith, understand these uninvited, often negative thoughts as attacks from Satan, meant to distort our perception and disrupt our decision-making process. These spiritual attacks can push us to dwell on worst-case scenarios and overlook […]
Betrayal Trauma 101
If you are reading this, you are probably a wife who has just discovered her husband’s sexual disloyalty and she has been told she is experiencing Betrayal Trauma. I sadly welcome you to our support and training services. Perhaps you would like a simple introduction on a scientific level of what your brain and body […]
Using “The Pattern for Growth” to Fine-tune the Agile Checklist for Becoming Better Husbands
How can we apply organizational principles and the wisdom of living prophets to become better spouses? This article explores this concept, blending the principles from Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto,” Agile project management methodology, and the “Pattern for Growth” as provided by our faith in an effort to become better Presiding Husbands. **Simplicity in Complexity** Navigating the […]
Shouldn’t you be able to rely on people? What if others are not meeting your needs?
In today’s society, a prevailing theme – evolving gradually over time – implies that God’s existence is doubtful. Many, if not most, have tried wrestling with psychological challenges without experiencing a connection with a Divine Being, a Holy Ghost, or Christ for guidance, healing and support. This is an unfortunate digression from the original meaning […]