The Counseling Journal
Cultivating awareness, encouraging healthy behaviors, and the use of tools and skills for daily living.
BLOG CATEGORIES
Dating, Engaged, and Married Couples
Premarital Couples
Individuals
Journal Prompts & Self-care
Strengthening Your Relationship Through Fondness and Admiration
Maintaining a strong and loving relationship requires intentional effort and care. One of the key pillars of a healthy partnership is cultivating fondness and admiration. These concepts, introduced by Dr. John Gottman, focus on the importance of cherishing and respecting your partner. By regularly expressing appreciation and highlighting the positive aspects of your relationship, you can create a deeper sense of connection and trust. Explore how couples therapy in Plano can help you and your partner develop these skills to strengthen your bond and build a lasting, fulfilling relationship.
The Secret to a Stronger Relationship in 2026? Start the Year by Building Your Love Maps
Start the year with a fresh perspective on your relationship by discovering Dr. John Gottman's Love Maps. These are a powerful tool to deepen your bond and ensure you and your partner feel truly seen and understood. By updating your Love Maps, you can nurture a stronger connection and create a foundation for lasting joy and intimacy throughout the year. Learn simple, practical steps to make this resolution a reality!
7 Irresistible Year-End Date Ideas Every Couple Should Try
Looking to end the year on a romantic note? Discover 7 creative date ideas perfect for couples, including magical holiday light tours, festive cooking nights, and cozy stay-at-home spa experiences. Strengthen your connection and make unforgettable memories together!
7 Ways to Fall in Love With Your Own Company Before the Year Ends
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to wrap up your year, solo dates could be just what you need. These intentional moments of self-care and reflection can help you recharge and enter the new year with clarity and positivity. Whether it’s a peaceful nature walk, a cozy day spent journaling, or indulging in a favorite hobby, solo activities offer an opportunity to focus on yourself and cherish your own company. Discover seven unique and enriching ideas to make the most of the season and end the year on a high note.
The Heart of Christmas
Merry Christmas! The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it's important to remember the true reason for Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ. Take a moment to reflect on His love and grace during this special time of year.
Making Spirits Bright: A Couple's Guide to the Holidays
As the year ends, take time with your partner to reflect on your favorite moments and growth as a couple. Celebrate New Year's Eve with purpose, whether through a cozy night in or an exciting evening out, and step into the future with shared intentions and a stronger connection.
Plan Your Year: A Guide to Personal Goal Setting
Planning your year with intentionality can transform your goals into achievable milestones. By reflecting on past experiences, identifying your true aspirations, and creating a strategic personal plan, you can foster growth and fulfillment. This guide provides actionable steps to design your most purposeful year yet.
Couples Who Plan Together, Stay Together: Your Guide to a Better Year
Planning your year together as a couple can be a transformative way to strengthen your bond and align your priorities. Just like businesses set goals to drive success, couples can benefit from reflecting on their past achievements, defining shared ambitions, and creating a roadmap for growth. This guide will help you approach your relationship with intention, focusing on communication, connection, and a shared vision for the future.
Finding Calm: How Acupuncture Eases Everyday Stress
Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice that helps alleviate stress and promote relaxation by targeting pressure points that calm the nervous system. Discover how this holistic approach can enhance your mental and physical well-being.
The Game-Changing Way to Rest That Actually Prevents Burnout
Ditch the passive scrolling and learn about purposeful recovery, the key to fighting mental fatigue and boosting creativity. This guide explains the science behind active recovery and offers practical ways to incorporate restorative activities like hobbies, gentle movement, and mindfulness into your life to prevent burnout and feel genuinely refreshed.
Audit Your Energy and Start the New Year Recharged
As the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on what truly nourished your spirit and what weighed you down. An energy audit helps you evaluate the people, habits, and commitments that impacted you most, empowering you to prioritize what matters and step into the new year with clarity and purpose.
The Power of Gratitude on Your Mental Health
Practicing gratitude daily can significantly improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Gratitude has been shown to rewire the brain, fostering positive thinking patterns and emotional well-being. Simple habits like keeping a gratitude journal, mindful reflection, or expressing appreciation to others can make a big difference in your overall happiness. By incorporating these easy practices into your routine, you can build resilience, find joy in everyday moments, and experience the lasting mental health benefits of gratitude.
Survive the Holidays When You’re Grieving
The holidays can be especially painful after losing someone important. This gentle guide offers practical ways to honor your emotions, set boundaries, create new traditions, and nurture yourself through soothing rituals—helping you navigate this season with compassion and hope.
Conversation Prompt: Priorities
Communication is key component of any successful relationship. These conversation starters are prompts to help you begin to tackle difficult conversations and move beyond fear into acceptance and understanding to bring you closer.
Holiday Stress? Tips for Couples to Stay Connected
The holiday season, while magical, often brings its fair share of stress for couples. Between juggling family commitments, shopping lists, and busy schedules, it’s easy for relationships to take a backseat. This blog offers practical tips and creative holiday date ideas to help couples stay connected, reduce stress, and create meaningful moments together during the festive chaos.
