Gaslighting
What gaslighting means, where the word came from, how it differs from an honest disagreement, and what may help if you keep…
Communication
Reactive abuse
A careful look at a popular, contested phrase: what people mean by reactive abuse, why advocates question the label and what to…
Bids for connection
Small comments, sighs and shared jokes can be quiet invitations to connect. Here is how to notice them and why responding matters.
Conflict avoidance
Why some people steer away from every disagreement, when that style can actually work for couples and how to speak up when…
Ghosting
Being ghosted can leave you replaying every text. Here is what ghosting means, what studies suggest about why people do it and…
Reflective listening
Reflective listening is the simple move of saying back what you heard so your partner knows you got it. Here is how…
Demand-withdraw pattern
If one of you keeps pushing to talk and the other keeps pulling away, you may be caught in one of the…
Contempt
What contempt sounds and looks like between partners, why Gottman research singles it out and how couples rebuild respect once it has…
Grey rock method
Going grey rock can take the fuel out of some conflicts. With an abusive person, it can also backfire. Here is how…
Differentiation of self
Murray Bowen's idea of staying close to the people you love without losing yourself, explained in plain language with everyday family examples.
Want to talk it through with Iryna?
Reading helps. Talking can help more. Iryna meets online with individuals, couples and families anywhere in Michigan.