communication

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…

Read More
graphic of a person falling in a hole. Text on the left that reads Codependency and Narcissism, Escaping the Narcissist Trap

Codependency – Narcissist Trap

By New Life Counseling / October 13, 2021

It’s a Trap! Understand the connection between a codependent and a narcissist. Learn the trap codependents walk into over and over again. It’s a difficult trap but it’s possible to break free.

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
New Year Same Love- improving the 7 dimensions of your relationship with free worksheet- setting goals for the new year 2021

New Year Same Love: your relationship goals

By New Life Counseling / January 13, 2021

While you’re busy writing down your personal goals for the year, use our completely free worksheet to reflect on your relationship and set intentions for the upcoming months.

Closeness and connection don’t just happen; flourishing requires time, attention, and nourishment. Assessing your connection and commitment to grow your relationship is an important task. Taking time to talk and intentionally make a renewed commitment to each other can enhance your life together.

Read More

Control Talk

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / August 11, 2020

Everyone wants some level of control in their life. It makes us feel safe, solid, and independent. However, problems can arise when we force that control onto those around us. Have you ever been told that you’re controlling? Have you ever taken time to reflect on how your communication style may be unconsciously communicating something…

Read More

Owning Your Feelings

By New Life Counseling / May 21, 2020

While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. The good news is there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency – and there are ways that everyone can be supportive of…

Read More

The language of love

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / March 31, 2020

Close your eyes and think of the last time you felt deeply loved and appreciated. What did that person do to make you feel so special? Did they give you a warm hug? Bring home a personal gift after a vacation? Tell you how immensely proud they were of you? Whatever it was, they were…

Read More

The Power of Words

By New Life Counseling / May 24, 2019

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me!” I believe most of us, if not all, are familiar with this saying. Sadly, this saying is inaccurate, especially in regards to the words we use with our children.  The words we use with our children have the ability to empower and…

Read More