Boundaries & Communication

26 Addiction Books

26 Outstanding Books about Addiction and Healing

By Jessica Pottorff / August 26, 2022

Addiction – It’s not a dirty word. Let’s talk about it. Let’s learn about it. Let’s de-stigmatize it. Let’s understand and empathize with the person who struggles with it. Let’s put a face to it so that when we see it, we do not see just an issue but a whole person that was created…

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Photo of a mom and child consoling each other. Text that reads, If not mom, then who?

If Not You Mom, Then Who?

By Jessica Pottorff / May 18, 2022

When a child, adolescent, or young adult is struggling with an addiction or a mental health issue, parents usually feel the need to jump in and fix the problem. While addiction is a family sickness, it seems that mothers are the most impacted by their son or daughter’s substance abuse or untreated mental health. Let’s look at how being compassionate can not only help you but also your child.

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13 Books For Better Boundaries & Communication Skills

By New Life Counseling / May 9, 2022

Setting boundaries is an important aspect of healthy communication. We have the right to communicate with others how we would like and would not like to be treated, and to protect the values that are important to us. When we set healthy boundaries we are showing respect for ourselves and others. There are many different reasons that…

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light sage green background with a photo of a couple holding hands, but the women is looking away. The title is on the top that reads How Do Boundaries Work in a Toxic Marriage?

How Do Boundaries Work In A Toxic Marriage?

By New Life Counseling / August 4, 2021

Have you ever been told you needed better boundaries? Just what does that mean? And how do boundaries work especially in a marriage with toxic and destructive communication or behaviors? What Is A Relational Boundary? A boundary, much like a fence, separates your physical yard from your neighbors. A relational boundary differentiates one individual from…

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A rectangle with words in the center that read, Active Listening, how listening can help you communicate more effectively. Two comment speech bubbles in the bottom corner.

Active Listening is a Forgotten Communication Skill

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / July 21, 2021

Active listening is a vital communication skill that can deepen connection and understanding in all types of relationships. However when active listening is missing, it can have big consequences. When we forget the IMPORTANCE of listening, we are consciously or unconsciously saying we value our thoughts and opinions more than the person we are talking to. Keep reading for 7 ways listening improves your relationships.

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Red and dark blue angled boxes with the words "Speak up!" and "Breaking your silence" - banner image for New Life counseling blog post about learning how and when to speak up and make yourself heard

Speak Up: Breaking Your Silence

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / June 2, 2021

We all want to be known, heard, and understood in our relationships. But the only way to do that is by speaking up and making yourself heard. Depending on your past experiences, including how you were raised and what your relationships (romantic and otherwise) have looked like, speaking up might not come naturally.   Your…

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blog header. White background with dark green border. On the left side there are two triangle images. One of a woman facing away looking out at the ocean, wearing a cream sweater and brown hat. The other image of a mom and dad laying in bed cuddling their young child. The test in black: "Learning to say yes and no confidently. When we stop filling our plate with people, places, and projects that we're not genuinely drawn to, we make room for the things that fulfill us and bring us joy."

Setting Healthy Boundaries: YES & NO

By New Life Counseling / May 11, 2021

Healthy boundaries are essential for successful relationships, romantic and otherwise, and a balanced, joyful life. Without boundaries, it gets hard to determine our limits and often we find ourselves overwhelmed and stressed out—not to mention feeling guilty about our choices. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few tools in your toolbox…

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Holiday Stress Boundaries- They don't have to be emotionally draining

Holiday Stress and Boundaries

By New Life Counseling / November 11, 2020

Especially in these difficult times, the holidays can bring with it the dilemma of how to balance what the “biblical response” is and what you can emotionally tolerate. As Christians it can be a hard to find balance or set limits and boundaries. The great news is that it’s a skill Jesus demonstrated for us in a variety of situations.

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Holidays: check-your-holiday-expectations-tips-for-managing-season-and-family

Holidays: Check your Expectations

By New Life Counseling / October 23, 2020

Holidays: It’s the most wonderful time of the year—food is plentiful, gifts are wrapped, and the entire family is gathered together. Holiday season truly is something special. But it can also be a time of unmet expectations, disappointment, angst, and family quarrels. Our own expectations of how the holidays should go are often the sole…

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Cyberbullying on rise pandemic tips

Cyberbullying: Social Distanced Bullying

By New Life Counseling / October 13, 2020

While we champion the fact that face-to-face bullying has decreased in schools and society, it has not disappeared. Hate speech between children and teens on social platforms increased a staggering 70%. Check out these 8 tips to combat cyberbullying and more about the impact of social distancing on bullying- on the blog!

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