Effective and Healthy Communication in Intimate Relationships: A Guide for Couples

Effective and Healthy Communication in Intimate Relationships | Best Self Forward Therapy Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3

Communication is the lifeblood of any intimate relationship. It allows us to connect, understand, and support each other on a deep emotional level. However, communicating effectively in a relationship is not always easy. It requires effort, patience, and the development of certain skills. In this blog, we will explore some strategies for having effective and […]

Defining Differentiation in Couple Relationships

Defining Differentiation in Couple Relationships | Best Self Forward Therapy Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3

Differentiation in intimate relationships refers to the ability of individuals to maintain a sense of self and individuality while simultaneously being emotionally connected and engaged with their partner. It involves being able to navigate the tensions between autonomy and togetherness, establishing healthy boundaries, and developing the capacity for self-regulation and emotional resilience. David Schnarch, a […]

Strategies for Navigating Difficult Emotions and Self-Regulation

Strategies for Navigating Difficult Emotions and Self-Regulation | Best Self Forward Therapy Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3

In our fast-paced world, understanding our emotions and how they affect us is crucial to building emotional resilience and well-being. One fascinating concept that sheds light on this is the Polyvagal Theory. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory unveils the intricate connection between our nervous system and emotions. In this blog, we’ll take a […]

Understanding and Managing Mental Health Conditions Like Depression and Anxiety

Woman comforting man

What is Mental Health?  Mental health refers to a person’s overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses how individuals think, feel, and act, as well as how they cope with stress, make choices and relate to others. Mental health is vital for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life, and it affects various aspects, including […]

Overcoming Relationship Anxiety

Couple arguing with city in the background

What is Relationship Anxiety? Relationship anxiety refers to a set of feelings and behaviours that individuals experience when they are in a romantic relationship or when they are considering entering one. These feelings can range from mild worry to severe anxiety and can manifest in a variety of ways. Common symptoms of relationship anxiety include […]

How to Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships

A couple is holding hands in the foreground with a counsellor in the background

Building and maintaining a healthy intimate relationship requires effort, patience, and commitment. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our daily routine and forget to prioritize our relationships. However, neglecting our relationships can lead to feelings of loneliness, dissatisfaction, and even breakups or divorces. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some […]

What Is Trauma and Trauma-Informed Therapy?

woman sitting alone in a empty room

Trauma is a word we hear often, but it is not always fully understood. Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It can be caused by a single event or a series of events, and it can have a profound impact on a person’s life and […]

Why we should stop focusing on self-esteem and start focusing on self-compassion

Happy couple lover on bed, hug and kiss in romantic time, love and passionate concept.

What is self esteem? Self-esteem is the subjective evaluation of one’s worth or value as a person. It is often based on our own beliefs and perceptions about ourselves, which are shaped by various factors such as personal experiences, upbringing, and social comparisons. Self-esteem is often based on comparing ourselves to others and judging our […]

The Importance of Commitment in a Relationship

is the center of his universe. Beautiful young couple holding hands and kissing while standing against grey background

A healthy and successful relationship requires commitment from both partners. When both partners are fully committed to the relationship, they will work together to repair any ruptures or damage that has been done to it. The same is true in couples therapy.  The commitment to repair the relationship plays a major role in how successful […]

The Power of Appreciation

Thank you for wonderful present. Grateful senior woman is kissing her husband cheek while standing in kitchen. Man is smiling with happiness

Appreciation is a simple but powerful act that can have a profound impact on the well-being and happiness of individuals. Appreciation is a powerful tool in any relationship, and it’s especially vital in intimate relationships. When partners appreciate each other, they not only make each other feel good, but they also build a strong foundation […]