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Have you ever felt like you’re constantly replaying the same scenarios in your relationships, unsure of why things never seem to improve or deepen? It might be time to take a closer look at your Relationship Awareness—the ability to understand and manage the dynamics...

Have you ever felt like your relationships are stuck on repeat, replaying the same old issues over and over again? Like you’re caught in a never-ending loop of miscommunications, misunderstandings, and, let’s be honest, a lot of unnecessary drama? Don’t worry, you’re...

Have you ever found yourself apologizing to your partner because they stepped on your foot? Or maybe you’ve felt the need to check in on everyone’s emotions like an overzealous lifeguard, only to realize you’re the one drowning? 🌊😅 If so, you might be caught in what I...

  In our quest to be the best partner, friend, or family member, many of us fall into the trap of self-neglect. We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” but how often do we actually take it to heart? In relationships, self-neglect is like a...

Are you stuck in the "Self-Sacrifice Set," where you're constantly putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own? Trust me, you’re not alone. In codependent relationships, three sneaky behaviors often steal the spotlight: submitting, caretaking, and self-neglect. I...

How Therapeutic Coaching Helps Shift from Submitting, Caretaking and Self-Neglect In my work as a therapeutic relationship coach, I've seen time and time again how certain behaviors keep people trapped in unhealthy, codependent relationships. These...

Workplace toxicity can creep in slowly, often unnoticed until it has firmly taken root. It can manifest in various ways, but three behaviors consistently top the list for fostering a toxic environment: blame, shame, and complaints—what I like to call the "Toxic Trio."...

In our quest to be perfect, many of us unknowingly avoid experiencing feelings of shame. The fear of being seen as inadequate or flawed drives us to overachieve and to set unrealistic standards for ourselves. While striving for excellence can be a positive trait, when...

How Blaming, Shaming & Complaining Destroy Relationships In any relationship, whether romantic, familial, or professional, the dynamics can quickly become strained when blame, shame, and complaints are at play. These behaviors, often rooted in our fears and...

Relationships, whether they're romantic, familial, or professional, are intricate and constantly changing. I’ve learned through my own experiences and those of my clients that when blame, shame, and complaints—the toxic trio—start to seep into these dynamics, they can...

The Hidden Dance Between Covert Narcissists and Their Narcissistic Partners Ever wondered who’s really using who in a relationship between two narcissists when the best both people can do is have a codependent relationship? On the surface, it seems like the overt...

In both our personal and professional lives, we often fall into the trap of self-referral—a tendency to interpret others' words, actions, or behaviors as being directly related to us. This mindset, which can be deeply ingrained, often leads to misunderstandings,...

How Therapeutic Coaching Helps You Get Unstuck Couples caught in the dynamics of a narcissistic relationship often find themselves in a cycle of unhealthy behaviors. One partner may have narcissistic traits, such as a need for control or constant admiration, while the...

Reclaim Your Power and Build Healthy Entitlemen Are you finding yourself caught in the complex dynamics of a relationship where you constantly feel off-balance, confused, or questioning your worth? You’re not alone. Relationships with people who have narcissistic...

The Stories We Tell Ourselves: How Limiting Beliefs Shape Our Self Worth We all have stories we tell ourselves—narratives that play out in our minds, shaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. These stories are powerful because they often operate...

Have you ever found yourself feeling like you don’t deserve to ask for what you need in your relationships or at work? Maybe you’ve held back from speaking up, setting boundaries, or asking for support because something inside tells you it’s not your place. This sense...

Discover the Power of Healthy Entitlement Have you ever found yourself feeling like you don’t deserve to ask for more in your relationships? Maybe you worry that if you speak up, you’ll seem selfish or demanding. I get it. It’s hard to shake off those feelings,...

Let’s talk about entitlement in relationships—not the kind where someone demands special treatment or acts like the world owes them something. No, I’m talking about a healthy sense of entitlement, where you believe you deserve respect, fair treatment, and the chance...

How Therapeutic Coaching Helps You Hold Your Value in Every Relationship Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve to ask for what you need in your relationships? Maybe you worry that setting boundaries will make you seem selfish or demanding. You’re not alone. Many...

Guilt is a powerful emotion that can drive our decisions in ways we might not even realize. For many of us, guilt can be the underlying force that compels us to say "yes" when we really want to say "no." Understanding the assumptions we make about guilt is the first...

We've all heard the term "people-pleasing," often thrown around as if it's just a sign of being overly nice or too eager to help. But let's dig a little deeper because people-pleasing isn't just about being kind—it's actually a self-protective strategy that puts you...

The Hidden Fatigue of Pretending to Be Perfect Have you ever found yourself exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone? Whether it’s at work, in your leadership role, with friends, or in your personal relationships, the pressure to be perfect can feel...

Why Understanding Others is Key to Successful Relationships Building and maintaining successful relationships is crucial in both our personal and professional lives, but it’s something many of us struggle with. Often, we fall into the trap of assuming others think,...

In both personal and professional relationships, being your authentic self is crucial for genuine connections and meaningful interactions. Yet, many of us find ourselves making excuses that prevent us from showing up as our true selves. Here are the top five excuses...

In every relationship, whether it's with a partner, family member, or friend, we all crave love and acceptance. Yet, despite this deep desire, many of us struggle to be our true selves. We hold back, hiding parts of who we really are, out of fear of rejection or...

In our relationships, whether romantic, familial, social or professional, the desire to be loved, liked, and accepted is universal. Yet, despite this deep yearning, many of us find ourselves holding back, concealing our true selves, and struggling to show up...

I’ve received a lot of questions about Therapeutic Coaching and how it can help. Here’s an example of a client who recently went from perfectionist to relaxed ambition, letting go of barriers to living her life authentically. " Jeannie seemed to have...

Have you ever found yourself wondering why you haven't been able to achieve your potential despite all the work you have done? Do you regret the decisions that led you away from your authentic path, causing you to conform to others' expectations rather than staying...

"Become Who You Are Meant to Be" Therapeutic Coaching is a deeply personalized process designed to guide you back to your Authentic Self and help you realize your full potential. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not living the life you were truly meant to live—caught...

Have you ever found yourself wondering why, despite all your hard work, you still haven’t reached your full potential? Do you sometimes look back and regret decisions that led you away from your authentic path—decisions that made you conform to others’ expectations...

The Drain of Needless Defensiveness Have you ever asked someone a simple question like, "How is your project coming along?" or made a straightforward statement like, "Don't forget to water the garden today," only to be met with a dramatic saga of excuses or even...

Stop making decisions based on “shoulds” and free yourself from “Should-Napping” Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I should have known that" or "I shouldn't need any help; what's wrong with me?" You might not realize how much power you give to these "shoulds"...

Years ago, when my husband casually remarked that I "should" like more variety in my food choices, I couldn't help but ask, "Where did that idea come from?" His response was, "I don't know. You just should." That's when I half-jokingly replied, "Is there a big giant...

Explore the Hidden Costs of Imposter Syndrome to Profit and Productivity If you think Imposter Syndrome only effects individuals who haven’t yet achieved success, you would be very wrong. Even leaders at the top levels of organizations aren’t immune to Imposter...

Many of us find ourselves wearing masks just to fit in, hiding our Authentic Self behind the facade of an "Imposter Persona." This Persona was crafted throughout our formative years to keep us safe, but over time, we've come to believe it is who we actually are.  But...

"I have suffered many misfortunes, many that never happened." — Michel de Montaigne. Sunday scaries are pervasive, damaging, anxiety-producing stories we tell ourselves. They have become so common in our society it's damaging the mental health of people in all...

Unmasking Your Authentic Self Many of us find ourselves wearing masks just to fit in, hiding our Authentic Self behind the facade of an "Imposter Persona." This Persona was crafted throughout our formative years to keep us safe, but over time, we've come to believe it...

In an age of constant connectivity and societal pressures, many people find themselves grappling with a profound question: "Who am I meant to be?" This quest for self-discovery is not just about finding a career path or a role in society but about uncovering the...

Do you ever feel like you're living a life that isn't truly yours because you are trying to be what others want you to be? Perhaps you constantly strive to present a perfect image before you venture into a relationship or career. These behaviors often indicate that...

If you've ever felt like you're trapped in a prison of your own making, you're not alone. The Imposter Persona is like a self-imposed prison that prevents us from living authentically and finding joy in our personal lives. But there's hope—Become Who You Are Meant to...

A Roadmap to Discovering and Developing Your Authentic Self If you've ever questioned your worth or struggled with low self-esteem, lack of assertiveness, or self-sabotage? If so, you're not alone. So many of us grapple with feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and the...

Are you afraid of being needy? It’s a common fear that many of us have. The worry of being labeled as needy can cause us to disconnect from our authentic selves and push ourselves to be like machines, suppressing our humanity. But why are needs seen in…

In the grand tapestry of personal growth and development, there exists a powerful quality known as self-awareness. It is the key that unlocks our ability to recognize, understand, and truly know ourselves – our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and…

In the contemporary work landscape, a curious phenomenon is unfolding. Recently, when conducting a workshop on Accountability for senior leaders, I was reminded of the mounting hesitance among leaders about setting clear expectations and…

Unknowingly, you may continue to be consumed by Level 1: Physiological Needs long after they have been met.
Why do some individuals turn to food, alcohol, or other substances as a means to address their deepest emotional needs…

At the core of imposter syndrome lies a spectrum of negative mental habits, each one fostering a persistent sense of self-doubt, an unsettling perception of inadequacy, and a lurking fear of being unmasked as an imposter. These habits create a…

Deep within each of us lies a wellspring of personal power. It’s a force fueled by self-confidence, competence, and resilience—a force that enables us to shape our lives and influence our environment. But there’s a dark shadow that can cast…

Women are increasingly finding themselves entangled in the demands and pressures of daily life, habitually placing the needs of others before their own. On the surface, these caretakers are recognized for their selfless, giving nature. However, the…

Are you feeling like life is just passing you by, leaving you feeling lost and disconnected from your own thoughts and emotions? It’s like you’re being driven by things outside your control, unaware of what you want and need. You might even question why you do…

The past is a powerful force that shapes our present and future, and many people become stuck in patterns of behavior and beliefs that are no longer serving them. Fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of the future can be overwhelming…

Believe it or not, “I feel like a fake” “I feel like I don’t belong here” and “I feel like I’m not good enough” are not really feelings although we pass them off as ones in our everyday life. I call them Imposter feelings. They are actually subjective judgments…

The Praise Paradox is a phenomenon where individuals with imposter syndrome have difficulty accepting praise or recognition for their accomplishments. Despite achieving great success, these individuals struggle to internalize positive…

Isn’t it interesting that despite perfectionists striving for a perfect outcome, their Imposter Syndrome Persona tells them they’ll never, ever attain the perfection they seek. This means they have to settle for the booby prize, being “perfectly…

Negative self-talk refers to the inner dialogue or self-criticism that we engage in on a regular basis. It involves the tendency to judge and belittle oneself, often based on perceived shortcomings, mistakes, or failures. When negative self-talk…

Self-devaluation is the act of putting yourself down and not giving yourself enough credit for the things you do well. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough, like you don’t deserve success, and like you’re just faking your way through life…

Why is it that we no sooner recognize an ambition, come up with an exciting idea that we want to share, or want to go to a networking event to connect with potential clients that we start catastrophizing? You know, telling yourself why you shouldn’t do it…

Stop Thinking a Lack of Self-Care Is a Trivial Matter How often do you hear people say they aren't good at self-care? Seems like it's a common occurrence and quite socially acceptable these days to admit that we neglect ourselves and our well-being without any...

I was having a discussion with a friend the other day and was telling her how excited I was to rediscover the value of eating for my blood type. I told her I had been looking for ways to improve my digestion and increase my energy…

I was talking to a friend the other day, a woman who is accomplished, well-educated, and personally generous. People love talking to her because she has the gifts of communication and empathy and a breadth of interests to engage you…

We all like to place blame for things that go wrong in our lives – the public transit being late on your morning commute, your employee who didn’t finish a report in time, a partner that doesn’t pull their…

While many people know exactly that they have the potential to achieve, they don’t always know the fears that are most likely to hijack them from the desired trajectory. This is why it is so important to know what fear will get in the way of achieving our hearts desire.

Don’t Let Codependent Dysfunctions Spoil Your Holiday Season Snow is falling, the fireplace is crackling, and the turkey is slowly roasting in the oven while you sip from your mug of hot chocolate, surrounded by your loving family. Idyllic, isn’t it? We wish! In...

Holidays has a way of triggering codependent patterns of behaviors that seem to arise out of nowhere changing us from successful and competent adults to emotionally turbulent teens. We become anxious about everything from not giving good enough gifts to reverting…

A client recently called for an emergency session. Here’s the gist of it.
My mom is killing me. I swear I am not going to make it to Christmas this year. She asked me to come home for the weekend to help her with getting the house ready for Christmas and when I arrive, she already has everything done.

Ever wonder why you find yourself at the mercy of your impulses during the holidays? Why you find it so easy to say “yes,” to buying things you don’t have money for or eating and drinking beyond what you know would be better for you in the long run?

Do you tend to give in to your partner’s needs and wishes without giving it a second thought? Are you frustrated with all the work you are doing so your partner or children will recognize what a loving, caring person you are and give back to you what you are giving to them?

There are many different types of codependent behaviors and behavioral strategies. Gaslighting, bullying, caretaking and manipulating others are all ways of gaining and maintaining…

“Would you consider yourself codependent?” When asked that question, some people will say yes, and others will say, no, but I think my partner is. If you think you are codependent, you are not alone.

Why do we enable others when we know it doesn’t work for anyone in the long term. It breeds self-deception, entitlement and grandiosity — and let’s face it. It allows people to act badly and victimize us. While it temporarily allows us to avoid…

Narcissistic defences are more common and complex than we like to believe. Almost everyone has a narcissistic wound and uses self-protective narcissistic defenses to help protect us from our own vulnerabilities…

Narcissistic defences are offensive and destructive to relationships. What’s tricky about them is that they are done with such ease that if you don’t have a strong sense of self, you can be swept off centre, believing the lies, manipulation…

“What a narcissist! Can you believe their behavior?” How often do we hear this being said about someone whose behavior we don’t like? Usually, we are just observing narcissistic (self-protective) defenses rather than someone with an…

The need for the approval from others is part of our psychological development during childhood, where we affirm ourselves through adaptation to the expectations of parents, our society and culture.

In our society, we tend to place a high value on pleasing other people and taking responsibility for how others feel. While this has traditionally been a part of the conditioning of women, men are…