Many people get involved with therapy or life coachinghere at Growing Self in order to improve all their relationships — not just their romantic partnerships or marriages. Let's face it: Friendships can present their own unique challenges.

If this is an area of growth for you, too, you'll definitely want to listen to this episode. I'll be discussing:

• Why friendships end
• How the dynamics of friendships are similar to and different from romantic relationships
• How to mend a friendship that has been feeling strained
• What to do about toxic friendships
• How to cope if you've been ghosted by a friend
• The path of healing after an unexpected friendship loss
• How to end a friendship compassionately
• How to change a friendship if you need different boundaries with a friend

I hope these ideas help you strengthen your friendships and keep healthy people in your life!

xoxo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, LMFT, LP, BCC

Ps: Thoughts? Questions? Comments? Here's the link to join the discussion at GrowingSelf.com

The Art of Vacationing Well

It is vacation season, and you probably have some getaways planned. (I hope.) But if you are of the "rest is for mortals" mindset, you are not alone.

So today I'm bringing you ten tips that will help you make the most of your hard earned vacation time -- whether you travel to exotic lands or just stick around town. 

We'll be discussing how to:

1) Take time off without feeling guilty about it
2) Use your vacation time intentionally and mindfully
3) Prepare to step out in such a way as to minimize "re-entry stress" upon your return
4) Set boundaries with others (and yourself) so you can relax and be present
5) Learn how to make them positive benefits of your vacation experience last, even after you're back

And much, much more -- all on this episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast. 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

Saving a Relationship, Single-Handedly

It can feel really discouraging when you are eager to work on your relationship, and your partner is less than enthused about going to marriage counseling or relationship coaching. But know this: Every couple who gets to marriage counseling does so because one of the partners initiates it. In your relationship, that person might need to be you. And that is okay.

This episode will give you insight into what might be going on inside your partner when they say things like:  

• "Things aren't that bad" 
•  "Marriage counseling is too expensive" 
• "We don't need to tell a stranger about our problems" 
• "I absolutely refuse to go to marriage counseling" 

I'm sharing some tips and ideas that can help you you ease their concerns. I hope this advice helps you help YOUR partner take the first step forward with you, and start growing back together again.

All the best,

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com