Nothing is more important than you. Love yourself FIRST! Your physical, emotional, psychological safety, well-being; and that of your children is all that matters.
Sunrise Couples Therapy is here to remind you of how valuable and beautiful you are. To reflect back to you in a way that makes clear; "you are worthy of unconditional positive regard and love."
The objective of this post is to introduce you to a few of the many powerful resources and tools available for those seeking healthy relationships. and safety from abuse.
Love is respect.org suggest that, "different people define relationships in different ways. But in order for a relationship to be healthy, it needs a few key ingredients!"
Healthy Communication
Open, honest and safe communication is a fundamental part of a healthy relationship. The first step to building a relationship is making sure you both understand each other’s needs and expectations—being on the same page is very important. That means you have to talk to each other! The following tips can help you and your partner create and maintain a healthy relationship:
Speak Up. In a healthy relationship, if something is bothering you, it’s best to talk about it instead of holding it in.
Respect Each Other. Your partner’s wishes and feelings have value, and so do yours. Let your significant other know you are making an effort to keep their ideas in mind. Mutual respect is essential in maintaining healthy relationships.
Compromise. Disagreements are a natural part of healthy relationships, but it’s important that you find a way to compromise if you disagree on something. Try to solve conflicts in a fair and rational way.
Be Supportive. Offer reassurance and encouragement to each other. Also, let your partner know when you need their support. Healthy relationships are about building each other up, not putting each other down.
Respect Each Other’s Privacy. Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to share everything and constantly be together. Healthy relationships require space.
Healthy Boundaries
Go out with your friends without your partner.
Participate in activities and hobbies you like.
Not have to share passwords to your email, social media accounts or phone.
Respect each other’s individual likes and needs.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline website host direct access to legal and other resources design to enhance safety for all those effected by Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
According to the hotline; "domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship."
Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
Domestic violence includes behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want.
It also includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. Many of these different forms of domestic violence/abuse can be occurring at any one time within the same intimate relationship.
If you are someone you know is experiencing IPV please call or visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline. They have advocates available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential. Watch video.
Ok, here is the quiz.
Take your time and answer honestly. Dont keep lying and denying. Its time to Heal.
If you need additional support, or would like to schedule time to process, identify goals, and plan next steps; call us at (253)777-9782, or click to get started today.