Your Emotional Meter

Relationships

Understanding Bowen Family Systems Theory

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on November 13, 2023

The wisdom embedded within Bowen family systems theory offers a transformative approach to understanding and improving our relationships.

The wisdom embedded within Bowen family systems theory offers a transformative approach to understanding and improving our relationships.

Parenting

An Introvert Mom's Guide to Raising Extroverted Kids

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on November 7, 2023

Personal Perspective: As an introverted mother of extroverted children, finding the right balance between their social needs and conserving my energy isn't always easy.

Personal Perspective: As an introverted mother of extroverted children, finding the right balance between their social needs and conserving my energy isn't always easy.

Therapy

Bowen Family Systems on Targeting and Scapegoating

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on November 5, 2023

A Personal Opinion: How to gain insight into the dynamics perpetuating scapegoating.

A Personal Opinion: How to gain insight into the dynamics perpetuating scapegoating.

Self-Help

The Power of Self-Reflection

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on October 25, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Through self-reflection, we find calm amidst the chaos. It allows us to thoughtfully contemplate underlying issues and devise mindful resolutions.

A Personal Perspective: Through self-reflection, we find calm amidst the chaos. It allows us to thoughtfully contemplate underlying issues and devise mindful resolutions.

Anxiety

Holding On to Control When the World Feels Like It's Falling Apart

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on October 17, 2023

When we get swept away by fear and anxiety, we get pulled further away from the present, which we control.

When we get swept away by fear and anxiety, we get pulled further away from the present, which we control.

Relationships

How to Foster Emotional Connection and Resolve Conflict

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on October 11, 2023

Emotional connection is the natural intimacy between people, creating a deep and meaningful alignment. This connection provides a layer of security, even during times of tension.

Emotional connection is the natural intimacy between people, creating a deep and meaningful alignment. This connection provides a layer of security, even during times of tension.

Family Dynamics

Getting Past Blaming Our Parents

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on October 4, 2023

Even though we can't control our family history, we can always learn to control what we do moving forward.

Even though we can't control our family history, we can always learn to control what we do moving forward.

Family Dynamics

This Unhealthy Pattern Stops With Me

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on September 28, 2023

Our families are our foundation. In the early stages of life, for better or worse, we learn from them how to self-regulate, express feelings, and manage difficulties.

Our families are our foundation. In the early stages of life, for better or worse, we learn from them how to self-regulate, express feelings, and manage difficulties.

Career

The Falsehood of "Having It All"

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on September 21, 2023

Many of us cannot figure out how to combine professional success and satisfaction with a genuine commitment to our family.

Many of us cannot figure out how to combine professional success and satisfaction with a genuine commitment to our family.

Empathy

The Importance of Compassion and Empathy When Forgiving

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on September 11, 2023

Empathy opens the doors to genuine forgiveness because it widens our perspective of ourselves, relationships, and life.

Empathy opens the doors to genuine forgiveness because it widens our perspective of ourselves, relationships, and life.

Parenting

How to Best Respond to Your Kids' Tantrums and Meltdowns

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on September 5, 2023

If we remain connected to our child without losing our cool, it allows for a teaching moment in challenging times.

If we remain connected to our child without losing our cool, it allows for a teaching moment in challenging times.

Bullying

How to Handle Criticism

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on August 26, 2023

It's natural to react strongly to unjust criticism, and sometimes there's no avoiding it. But if you're constantly getting angry and nothing changes, try this approach.

It's natural to react strongly to unjust criticism, and sometimes there's no avoiding it. But if you're constantly getting angry and nothing changes, try this approach.

Parenting

Parenting That Includes You

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on August 16, 2023

Like anything, parenting requires balance—one between selflessness and selfishness.

Like anything, parenting requires balance—one between selflessness and selfishness.

Relationships

How to Be There for Others Without Burning Out

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on August 7, 2023

While it's impossible to "fix" others' emotional struggles, there are practical skills you can learn to help you be more supportive.

While it's impossible to "fix" others' emotional struggles, there are practical skills you can learn to help you be more supportive.

Relationships

Setting Boundaries if You Are a People-Pleaser

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

To reduce tension in a relationship, people-pleasers tend to focus on what others need and forget about their own needs.

To reduce tension in a relationship, people-pleasers tend to focus on what others need and forget about their own needs.

Depression

Struggling With Mental Health Doesn't Make You Ungrateful

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on July 23, 2023

You can be grateful and appreciative for what you have and still feel bad, sad, and lonely. You can love parts of your life and feel helpless and hurt by others.

You can be grateful and appreciative for what you have and still feel bad, sad, and lonely. You can love parts of your life and feel helpless and hurt by others.

Therapy

6 Truths About People Who Go to Therapy

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on July 16, 2023

Therapy helps people stay on a meaningful and fulfilling track. It helps people deal with their emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and have a fresh perspective on their issues.

Therapy helps people stay on a meaningful and fulfilling track. It helps people deal with their emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and have a fresh perspective on their issues.

Relationships

How to Stop Having the Same Fight Over and Over Again

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on July 10, 2023

When someone tries to connect in ways their partner doesn’t understand, it is easy to retreat into the same behaviors that spark the negative cycle. Here's what to do instead.

When someone tries to connect in ways their partner doesn’t understand, it is easy to retreat into the same behaviors that spark the negative cycle. Here's what to do instead.

Relationships

When Unrealistic Expectations Become Resentments

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on July 3, 2023

Here's how to keep your expectations of others in check so you aren't disappointed.

Here's how to keep your expectations of others in check so you aren't disappointed.

Forgiveness

Deciding to Let Go

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on June 27, 2023

There is a misconception that letting go means that whatever happened is done and removed from our lives.

There is a misconception that letting go means that whatever happened is done and removed from our lives.