by Jenny TeGrotenhuis | Dec 6, 2020 | Body & Brain, Relationships
I got this request for guidance a few weeks ago from a healthcare worker, and I wanted to share my response with you, my closest readers. I’m privileged that “Kimberly” shared her story and sought advise. This is sad, but symptomatic of how dark these...
by Jenny TeGrotenhuis | Jun 24, 2020 | Heart & Mind, Parenting, Relationships, Uncategorized
What Is Influence? Influence is not pressure, it’s permission. Influence is a force of our love. It’s granted when we demonstrate that we care more about our relationship than our own ideas and opinions. Even with babies and children, we never have control. If a child...
by Jenny TeGrotenhuis | Jun 12, 2020 | Soul & Spirit, Uncategorized
Invalidation is a form of relational trauma which, over time, harms the brain and nervous system, and also results in the disintegration of any healthy bonds of connection, and dissolution of trust in others. Healing requires the slow, ongoing work of diligent growth...
by Jenny TeGrotenhuis | May 16, 2020 | Heart & Mind, Relationships
John and Shannon brought their tattered marriage to therapy, to see if they could salvage it from an affair. Right away, we discovered they had a deep habitual communication pattern. John had a veneer of sweetness that we decided to call the “chill dude.” He liked to...
by Jenny TeGrotenhuis | Apr 17, 2020 | Body & Brain, Relationships
When Karen’s face popped up on my computer screen, I sensed a storm was raging in her world. “How’ve you and your family been doing with the shelter-in-place mandate?” I asked. “Not great!” She fired back. Frustration, disappointment, and resentment...