“I’ll see your passive-aggressiveness and raise you a sweet-genuine”. ~ Unknown To talk about Passive-Aggressiveness we need to start with a simple definition of the 3 primary ways people behave and/or communicate. I’ve always thought of these as a clock (I hope this metaphor makes sense to you): • Passive behavior/communication (which shares many similarities…
“Diligence is the mother of good luck”. (Proverb) When something happens to you, how much control do you feel you had over it? Your answer to this question is shaped by many factors (childhood experiences, parenting styles, abilities, trauma etc.) and causes you to fall somewhere on the spectrum of high internal to high external…
There’s much to be said about (1) knowing (2) setting (3) communicating and (4) maintaining boundaries. If you want to learn more check out one (or more) of these resources: Cloud & Townsend’s seminal work: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life (it was first published in…
What does it mean to be “Co-dependant”? “Codependency is a circular relationship in which one person needs the other person, who in turn, needs to be needed. The codependent person, known as ‘the giver,’ feels worthless unless they are needed by — and making sacrifices for — the enabler, otherwise known as ‘the taker.” In sociology,…
….Even though break-ups are one of the hardest things to do and saying goodbye is often one of the most dreaded things by Humans, in some cases it is often for the best and here are 10 ways to go through a break-up in a healthy wholesome way without becoming bitter, broken and scarred for the…
The culture of silence, a rooted cultural norm in South Asian, European, Middle Eastern, Asian and Black families, restrains attempts of physical and sexual abuse survivors from getting the help they need. The fear of revenge and being disowned is prominent in home of these families where kids are being abused. Family shame, honor, and…
Faith, hope and love; the greatest of these is love (I Corinthians 13:13). What settles people in from existing storms is the ability to present one another with the probability of hope. Living is not enough; one must indeed know how to live. How? Understanding the how fragile one’s existence actually is. Taking stock in…
Attachment theory, founded by psychologist John Bowlby, suggests that the bond between infants and their primary caregivers shapes the infant’s expectations and behaviours in later relationships. These patterns, or ‘attachment styles,’ are not carved in stone but can evolve and adapt over time. Recognizing our own attachment style can shine a light on our relational…
Karen Rippy - Relationship Expert - office and online: Family, couple/marriage, extended family, students).
March 11, 2024
Navigating Complex Extended Family Problems with Dr. Karen Rippy Dealing with extended family issues can be a complex and challenging journey. It often involves a mix of personalities, expectations, and cultural differences, making the family dynamics intricate. However, there’s hope in effectively managing these relationships with the right guidance and support. Understanding Family Dynamics: Recognizing…
I have over 12 years of collective clinical psychotherapy/ coaching experience. I’m well read and trained broadly, including in the areas of psychology, developmental theory, coaching, social work, personal development and productivity. I’m an active member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers. Reach out to me today for a free 15…