Mary Sheedy Kurcinka’s Raising Your Spirited Child remains a seminal guide for parents grappling with the challenges and rewards of raising children who are more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent, and energetic.

The third edition of this influential book not only revisits these characteristics with updated research but also delves into how these traits intersect with neurodiversity and the concept of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) as a diagnostic framework.

By integrating these elements, Kurcinka offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and nurturing spirited children.

Michaeleen Doucleff’s Hunt, Gather, Parent is a fascinating exploration of parenting practices rooted in ancient traditions, offering a compelling critique of modern Western approaches to child-rearing.

By weaving together personal anecdotes, anthropological insights, and scientific research, Doucleff presents a powerful argument for rethinking how we raise children.

This review delves deeper into the book's themes, bringing in additional research that either supports or refines Doucleff’s findings, and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ancient parenting philosophies she explores.

The Danish Way of Parenting provides an insightful exploration into why Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world.

Jessica Joelle Alexander, a cultural researcher, and Iben Dissing Sandahl, a Danish psychotherapist, present a parenting philosophy rooted in fostering happiness, resilience, and confidence in children.

The French approach to parenting, as popularized by the book Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman, has garnered attention for its ability to raise well-mannered, independent, and resilient children.

But what exactly makes this style of parenting distinct?

And how did historical events like the French Revolution influence these practices?

Nearly a decade ago, two books made waves in the parenting world: "Parenting with Presence" by Susan Stiffelman and "The Spiritual Child" by Lisa Miller.

Both books focus on the spiritual aspect of parenting, but they do so in uniquely different ways.

As a family therapist mindful of the power of spirituality, I often find myself recommending both to parents who are exploring how spirituality can play a role in raising their children.

Let’s dive into what makes these books similar, what sets them apart, and why they might just be signaling a cultural shift in American spirituality.

What’s the Buzz About Spiritual Parenting?

Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids by Susan Stiffelman is a comprehensive and transformative guide that delves into the heart of conscious parenting.

In an era where the pressures of modern life can often overwhelm parents, Stiffelman’s approach offers a beacon of hope and practical wisdom.

By weaving together mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and the latest social science research, she provides a roadmap for parents to foster deeper connections with their children while simultaneously engaging in personal growth.

I get a lot of complaints about pornography use in my practice.

As a science-based couples therapist, understanding the neural mechanisms of associative learning related to internet-use behaviors such as porn can be invaluable in clinical practice.

This recent study, which shows that pornographic stimuli elicit stronger reward responses in the brain compared to monetary and gaming stimuli, provides important insights that can be leveraged in therapeutic settings.

In a world of rising Cultural Narcissism, maintaining a healthy relationship can be challenging.

With the increasing pressures of work, family, and societal expectations, it's no wonder that couples often find themselves struggling to keep their relationships on track.

Couples therapy, often seen as a last resort, is actually a powerful tool that can help partners reconnect, improve communication, and address underlying issues before they become insurmountable.

This modest guide explores the benefits of couples therapy, various therapeutic approaches—including hopeful spouse counseling—and provides practical advice for navigating the complexities of relationship challenges.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a unique and highly effective approach to couples therapy that focuses on creating secure emotional bonds and strengthening attachment between partners.

Developed by thought leaders Les Greenberg and Sue Johnson in the 1980s, EFT is rooted in the understanding that emotional connection is essential for relationship health.

Unlike Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which primarily targets changing thought patterns and behaviors, EFT delves into the emotional experiences and needs that drive relationship dynamics, aiming to transform negative cycles into positive, secure patterns.

This deep focus on emotions makes EFT especially powerful in helping couples resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and develop lasting emotional intimacy.

In a world where consumerism often dictates our understanding of success, the pursuit of financial independence can seem like a distant dream.

However, true financial freedom is not just for the exceptionally wealthy or those with extraordinary incomes.

Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Thomas Stanley, author of The Millionaire Next Door, and insights from couples therapy, this blog post explores how couples can build lasting financial security while strengthening their relationships.

It’s a skill to learn to fight well and repair relationship conflict before they spiral out of control.

It’s one of the goal of science-based couples therapy. The ability to make an effective repair with your life partner is an essential life skill.

Do you find your fights escalating out of control? That pattern, if left unchanged, creates lasting damage to a marriage.

What is a repair attempt?

Deciding whether to stay in a relationship is one of the most challenging and emotionally charged decisions anyone can face.

The question, "Should I stay in my relationship?" often arises when folks feel unsure about the future or when issues seem insurmountable.

This blog post aims to guide you through the process of evaluating your relationship, using insights from social science research to help you make a reasonably informed decision.

Let's jump in!