Defining Healthy Relationships

Thrive • August 11, 2021

There’s nothing like falling in love, which often involves embracing fear and vulnerability for a connection that lasts. After the initial rush of excitement and elation, it’s common for honeymoon phases to fade and for less fairytale-like feelings to surface, which can make a relationship more complicated. Instead of a passionate collision of hearts, loving your partner becomes a choice that can at times be uncertain, difficult, and even scary. But, as with many challenges, embracing love, for better or worse, carries its own rewards. Loving, healthy relationships can encourage each partner’s self-growth, deepen their sense of meaning, and increase the amount of joy in their lives.

Thrive therapist, Brett Glanzmann, MFTI, specializes in couples therapy . He qualifies a healthy relationship as one that allows partners to be honest and vulnerable with each other. As a result, each partner can openly express their needs and meet their partner’s needs.

SIX ELEMENTS OF A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

Let’s explore some elements that form the foundations of and foster loving, healthy relationships.

INDEPENDENCE

Though your partner should add joy to your life, they should not be the only source of your happiness and self-esteem. If you put this kind of pressure on them, the relationship may falter. It’s important to remember that you are in control of your own happiness, and you should feel empowered by that knowledge. So, invest in your interests and hobbies, dedicate time to self-care , foster relationships with your friends and family, and embrace your uniqueness. At the same time, respect your partner and encourage them to do the same. You’ll both benefit.

Glanzmann emphasizes the importance of maintaining a social life outside of one’s partner. “A healthy relationship has a healthy balance of togetherness and apartness, with no one partner expecting the other to meet every emotional need. Our society exerts a lot of pressure on partners to meet all needs in a relationship, but it is vital for each partner to maintain healthy friendships outside the relationship to help carry the load,” says Glanzmann.

Your social life outside of your partner allows you to have a more dynamic perspective of yourself while also expanding your worldview. As a result, you’ll be more in tune with what makes you special, amazing, and loveable — which is what your partner was attracted to in the first place. You’ll find it easier to treasure your authenticity, find strength in it, and allow it to enrich your relationship. With a deeper sense of self, you can also add depth to your relationship.

HONESTY

Your partner can’t read your mind and won’t truly know how you’re feeling unless you tell them. Even though it might feel scary at times, you should be honest with your partner about your emotional state, relationship expectations, values, and aspirations. Expressing your innermost feelings sincerely and respectfully helps your partner understand you better, which allows you both to create a life that suits your authentic selves.

“In a healthy relationship, each partner can allow themselves to be influenced by the other, and they find ways to support each other’s endeavors and contributions in the world,” says Glanzmann.

EMPATHY

By practicing empathy, you can deepen your connection with your partner rather than creating a rift by unknowingly hurting them.

Glanzman says, “While most couples pursue counseling with a desire for ‘better communication,’ it almost always runs deeper than that. More than anything, I see couples constantly hurting each other’s feelings unintentionally, and that becomes a cycle that creates increasing emotional distance over time.”

He goes on, “I believe the root of most relationship struggles has to do with perspective. I get caught up in my own perspective — the way I think and feel about what is happening in my world, and how my partner’s behavior affects me. It takes a conscious effort to empathize with others, putting myself in their shoes to feel what they feel. Many people in a relationship have difficulty placing themselves in their partner’s shoes. So it’s easy to find ourselves stuck in negative cycles in which we not only ‘miss’ each other, but end up perpetuating the cycle that drives us apart.”

If your relationship lacks empathy, you may assume that your partner’s lens aligns with your perspective. Such assumptions may result in feeling like your partner is a stranger at times. Practicing empathy requires honest questioning and active listening, instead of assuming your partner feels the same way as you.

TRUST

Without trust, do you really have a relationship? Partners must be able to trust one another to be vulnerable and open to connection and deeper love. With every interaction, partners have the opportunity to build trust by being honest and tuning in to each other’s needs and desires with awareness, curiosity, and understanding.

COMPROMISE

When you’re single, you can curate your life according to your desires. You have control over how you spend your time, what you spend your money on, and how you map out your future. Alternatively, when you choose to build a life with a partner, your opinions and decisions affect one another and compromises are necessary. Working together to solve problems and make reasonable sacrifices for one another helps you to meet in the middle with love. Additionally, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to compromise can provide you with new perspectives which allow you to become more in tune with your inner self and grow as a person. By finding common ground, you will also discover a deeper sense of connection with your partner.

EFFORT

To keep the spark alive, partners must actively work to make each other feel loved, appreciated, and respected. The moment partners take each other for granted, they put their relationship at risk. Just like when the relationship first began, each partner should work to be vulnerable, express their love, and carve out time for each other.

Glanzmann says, “Regular check-ins with each other are important for maintaining positive communication. In our busy society, many couples get stuck in the trap of routinely ‘getting the job done’ — accomplishing parenting tasks, work tasks, and household tasks — without much of a sense of connection. Without regular times dedicated to giving each other undivided attention, partners will naturally drift apart. The relationship can be strengthened by regular check-ins that cover the details of their life and the current state of their relationship, as well as regular dates where they can simply have fun and enjoy each other’s company.”

RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING AT THRIVE

Healthy relationships are not a given. Instead, they require work. Relationship counseling can help develop the elements necessary for building and fostering a healthy relationship. Glanzmann advocates for couples therapy as a way to both nurture healthy, loving relationships and heal deeply rooted issues within struggling relationships.

He says, “Couples counseling can provide a safe environment in which partners can investigate and identify unhelpful cycles while learning to relate in healthier ways. The counselor can serve as a sounding board, a third party who can provide an outside perspective about how the couple might be ‘missing’ each other. Often, tools can be provided that improve communication and conflict resolution. Most importantly, the couple counseling session provides an uninterrupted hour on the calendar for the couple to focus energy on improving their relationship.”

Thrive’s therapists can help you heal your relationship and discover strategies to strengthen your bond with your partner. Reach out to learn more.

The post Defining Healthy Relationships first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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The Power of Community: 5 Benefits of Support Groups

January 16, 2025

Support groups serve as a critical resource for those seeking a sense of community while navigating life's challenges. The benefits of support groups extend beyond the mere sharing of experiences; these groups provide valuable emotional support, foster a sense of community, and enhance mental wellbeing. In this blog post, we will explore what support groups are, how to find the right one for you, the various benefits they offer, and specific options available here at Thrive Wellness. What is a Support Group and How Can It Help Me? A support group is an organized gathering of people who share similar experiences or challenges, providing a space to find mutual support and understanding. These groups are safe and confidential spaces where participants can express their feelings, share personal stories, and receive emotional support from others who understand their unique struggles. Support groups are also powerful tools for reducing the feelings of isolation that can come with a challenging or traumatizing experience or being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. When you come together in the clinical setting, you can share experiences and gain unique insights from others. This sense of belonging often leads to improved mental wellbeing, as participants feel less alone in their struggles. Through the shared wisdom of the group and a therapist, members can learn important skills like coping strategies, gain encouragement, and develop a stronger sense of community and support. The collective strength that can come from these shared experiences contributes to personal growth, allowing attendees to thrive in their everyday lives. How Do I Find a Support Group That is Right for Me? Finding the right support group for you is essential to getting the most out of your experience. You can begin by researching local groups that align with your specific support needs and interests. Consider the focus of a group and whether it fits with the challenges you face. Healthcare professionals, therapists, or counselors can provide tailored recommendations and guide you to potential options. It's also important to consider logistical factors such as location, meeting frequency, and whether the group meets in-person or virtually. At Thrive, our admissions process for groups involves a 30 minute meeting with a group leader prior to joining to ensure that you are a suitable fit. What Are the Benefits of Support Groups? Support groups provide a multitude of benefits to help improve your emotional, mental, and social wellness. 1. Safe space for expressing emotions Support groups offer a safe environment where you can express your feelings and share experiences with others facing similar challenges with the assurance of confidentiality. This sense of emotional support is crucial if you are working though complex emotions, hardships, or trauma. 2. Sense of belonging and community Support groups help you to build a stronger sense of community. Through joining, participants can experience reduced feelings of isolation, knowing they are not alone in their struggles. 3. Exchange of advice and strategies Groups are great avenues for sharing knowledge, allowing members to exchange practical advice and coping strategies specific to their shared situations. In addition, therapists guide growth and provide practical strategies to help deal with challenges as they lead support groups. 4. Enhanced coping mechanisms Regular participation in groups can significantly improve your coping skills, enhancing your ability to manage anxieties and challenges associated with your experience or condition. Therapists are trained in teaching their groups effective coping skills specific to their needs. 5. Motivation for personal goals Groups provide a network of support, encouragement and motivation where attendees can cheer each other on in achieving their shared goals. Other group members can hold you accountable in pursuing your personal goals and staying on track with your treatment plan. What Support Groups Does Thrive Wellness Offer? Thrive Wellness offers a variety of support groups tailored to people's unique needs, ensuring comprehensive emotional and mental health support. Each support group is facilitated by experienced professionals offering guidance over the course of a group session. Groups being offered now at Thrive include a Perinatal Mental Health Support Group , a Social Anxiety Skills Group , a Body Image Skills Group , and a Teen Body Image Skills Group . Our admission process for groups is as follows: An individual therapist will submit a referral, then our client experience team will reach out to you to schedule a 30 minute group intake meeting with the group leader to ensure that you are an appropriate fit for the group. From there, you are admitted and scheduled to the group. All groups cost $50 for cash pay, however copays are collected when insurance is billed. Finding Strength Through Connection Support groups offer powerful benefits, making them a vital resource for those seeking emotional and mental support. Whether you are exploring what a support group is, searching for the right one for your needs, or looking into our specific offerings here at Thrive Wellness, the impact of these groups is real. By connecting with those who share similar experiences as you, you can find comfort, strength, and a renewed sense of hope, empowering you to face life's challenges with a team of people on your side.

Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder: Why Winter Days Can Darken Your Mood and Ways to Brighten Your Outlook

January 9, 2025

Even if you look forward to the ski season all year, can't wait to read a good book by a crackling fireplace, and count down the days until you can frolic through fresh snow, you can also experience seasonal affective disorder or the winter blues. Dreary winter days stuck indoors can make it difficult for many to summon their natural cheerfulness, gratitude, and enthusiasm for life. This shift in mood may be confusing, especially if you're typically captivated by wintertime wonders. As the nights lengthen, days shorten, temperatures drop, and storm clouds block the sun, your mood can darken too. Essentially, the changing patterns of sunlight can disrupt your circadian rhythm (a kind of biological clock that influences your sleepiness and wakefulness patterns) and hormonal balance. Two conditions commonly develop during the winter: the winter blues and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), recently designated Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a Seasonal Pattern . Below, you can explore the differences between the winter blues and SAD, and find strategies to boost your mood and reclaim your motivation during the winter season. What Are the Winter Blues? Individuals struggling with the winter blues generally experience feelings of sadness, fatigue, and loneliness attributed to bleak winter weather. Although not considered a mental disorder, the winter blues may cause you to feel like a gloomy, less motivated version of yourself, while still being able to participate in and enjoy daily activities. Symptoms of the Winter Blues Feeling sad or down during the winter months Decreased motivation or energy Changes or difficulty with sleeping Causes of the Winter Blues Cold weather Shorter days, longer nights Decrease or change in exposure to sunlight and vitamin D production Risk Factors for the Winter Blues Lack of connection to community and social interactions History of depression or anxiety Environmental considerations (such as living in a climate that experiences particularly long or harsh winters) What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Also known as seasonal depression, SAD or MDD with a Seasonal Pattern is a subtype of major depressive disorder that interferes with a persons ability to engage in everyday life and find pleasure in activities that typically spark joy. In most cases, a person struggling with SAD will experience depression that begins in the fall or winter and ends in the spring. Less commonly, individuals may experience SAD in the summer, possibly brought on by exposure to too much sunlight that can cause sleeplessness, agitation, and anxiety. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder Depressed mood or sadness Decreased motivation or energy Hypersomnia (or excessive sleepiness and oversleeping) Eating beyond fullness Weight gain Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that usually evoke happiness Social isolation and withdrawal Increased feelings of agitation or irritability Difficulty concentrating Sense of hopelessness Suicidal thoughts Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder Decrease or change in exposure to sunlight and vitamin D production, resulting in: Changes in circadian rhythm (disruption to your body's internal clock) Hormonal fluctuation, including imbalances of serotonin and melatonin Risk Factors for Seasonal Affective Disorder History of depression or anxiety Genetic factors Environmental considerations (such as living in a climate that experiences particularly long or harsh winters, resulting in decreased social interactions and activity) Ways to Boost Your Mood During Wintertime You can fight the winter blues and wrap yourself in warmth by incorporating some of the self-care strategies below into your wintertime routine. Eat intuitively. The way you nourish your body is directly connected to your mental health , but shorter days may disrupt breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time routines. By listening to your fullness and hunger cues, while also eating an array of foods consistently and adequately, you can promote your well-being including your emotional health. Move mindfully. Allowing yourself the time and space to move intentionally can do wonders for your mind-body-spirit connection. Research shows that mindful movement can help lower stress and anxiety in addition to relieving depression and improving overall mood. Commit to a consistent sleep and wake routine. By going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, you can practice good sleep hygiene , which can help you regulate your emotions effectively and promote overall well-being. Spend time outdoors in the sun. Sunlight promotes the body's vitamin D production and vitamin D is believed to affect the regulation of the feel-good hormone serotonin. By doing your best to soak up the sunshine when it graces the sky, you can help foster feelings of happiness. Maintain connections with family and friends. Loved ones can infuse dismal winter days and long winter nights with laughter, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Participate in service projects and other community activities . Offering your time to individuals in need and enveloping yourself in your community can bring you a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection. Your presence can light up the lives of others, making you feel good in turn. For more habits that create a well-balanced lifestyle and improve your mental and physical health, download our free guide "How to Thrive." Clinical Treatment for the Winter Blues and SAD If your sadness, lethargy, or other depressive symptoms begin to impair your daily functioning or extend beyond the season, we encourage you to speak with a healthcare provider. Licensed professionals can guide you in developing coping skills, reducing your depressive symptoms, and increasing your resiliency and motivation. In some cases, you may be prescribed light therapy or antidepressants to ease symptoms. You deserve to feel wonderful any time of year, and through outpatient therapy , Thrive can help you embrace the winter season with joy. Reach out to us to learn more. This blog post was originally posted December 22, 2021

Instead of Setting New Year's Resolutions, do this

January 2, 2025

Ah, New Year’s resolutions. The moment January 1 rolls around, it feels like everyone is armed with a laundry list of goals: lose weight, save money, drink more water, learn to play a new instrument. While these aspirations might look great on paper, the truth is they often come with a side of unnecessary pressure—and let’s be real, most of us abandon them by February anyway. This year, let’s flip the script. Instead of piling on more goals, how about taking a breath and reflecting on everything you’ve already accomplished? Trust me, there’s a better way to approach the new year without the stress of rigid resolutions. Why Resolutions Often Fall Flat The tradition of setting resolutions can feel exciting, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of overdoing it. We create lists of lofty goals, expecting ourselves to magically transform overnight. But what happens when life gets messy, work gets busy, or we simply don’t have the energy to crush it every day? The result is usually guilt, frustration, and a sense of failure—not exactly the motivational vibe we were aiming for. The problem with traditional resolutions is that they often overlook the importance of realistic planning and self-reflection. Instead of motivating us, they can pile onto the stress we’re already carrying. Give Yourself Permission to Pause Let’s start 2025 differently. Instead of asking yourself what you need to do, take a moment to consider what you’ve already done. Acknowledge the challenges you’ve navigated and the wins—big or small—that brought you here. This shift isn’t about giving up on growth or change; it’s about embracing a more compassionate, flexible approach to your well-being. Reflect on Your Wins From 2024 Before you set any intentions for 2025, pause and reflect on the year that’s just passed. Here are some questions to guide your thoughts: • What were my biggest wins from 2024? Celebrate the moments that made you proud. Maybe it was a professional milestone or simply surviving a tough season. Wins don’t have to be monumental to be meaningful. • What relationships were most meaningful to me? Think about the people who supported you, made you laugh, or helped you grow. How can you nurture those connections in the year ahead? • What surprised me most about 2024? Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Reflecting on how you adapted can help you appreciate your resilience and prepare for the unexpected. • What should I say “no” to? What would I like to say “yes” to? Sometimes, the key to growth is learning what no longer serves you. Saying “no” to draining commitments makes space for the things that truly light you up. • What am I most proud of and grateful for? Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting perspective. Take time to appreciate the moments, people, and experiences that enriched your life. Start 2025 With Intention The beauty of reflection is that it allows us to set intentions that feel authentic and achievable. Instead of chasing resolutions rooted in perfection, focus on growth, gratitude, and balance. This year, let’s give ourselves permission to start small and prioritize what truly matters. Take a Self-Care Step With Our “Breathe Easy” Guide If you’re looking for a gentle way to begin 2025, our free Breathe Easy guide is the perfect place to start. It’s packed with simple breathing exercises designed to help you reduce stress, refocus your mind, and find a sense of calm—no matter how chaotic life feels. Download it today and give yourself the gift of a fresh start, one deep breath at a time. Let’s make 2025 the year we breathe easier, live more intentionally, and celebrate the progress we’ve already made. You’ve got this!