Stronger at the Broken Places

Bipolar Disorder

Struggle and Triumph With Bipolar Disorder

Linda and Charlie Bloom on July 29, 2021

A Personal Perspective: Nancy Rosenfeld is an ordinary hero—a woman who lives with bipolar disorder, a devastating and life-threatening illness.

A Personal Perspective: Nancy Rosenfeld is an ordinary hero—a woman who lives with bipolar disorder, a devastating and life-threatening illness.

Relationships

9 Strong Predictors of a Successful Relationship

Linda and Charlie Bloom on July 14, 2021

A recent study explores the question of what makes a relationship successful.

A recent study explores the question of what makes a relationship successful.

Embarrassment

The Shame Trap: I Am a Mistake

Linda and Charlie Bloom on July 9, 2021

There is a difference between shame and guilt. Guilt means I made a mistake. Shame means I am a mistake. Shame is an immensely painful feeling that we are all alone, unworthy.

There is a difference between shame and guilt. Guilt means I made a mistake. Shame means I am a mistake. Shame is an immensely painful feeling that we are all alone, unworthy.

Marriage

Individuation: Gaining a Clearer Sense of Self

Linda and Charlie Bloom on July 6, 2021

Their relationship progressed when they were forced to spend time apart.

Their relationship progressed when they were forced to spend time apart.

Relationships

Love Is the Answer to Most Problems

Linda and Charlie Bloom on July 6, 2021

As college students, my husband and I were hippies in the sixties. Sometimes our generation was referred to as “the flower children.” We were part of an idealistic movement.

As college students, my husband and I were hippies in the sixties. Sometimes our generation was referred to as “the flower children.” We were part of an idealistic movement.

Marriage

Kindness Is the Best Guide

Linda and Charlie Bloom on June 28, 2021

For eight years Steve and Jim enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Then, Steve and Jim were faced with a life-threatening challenge that pushed play off completely.

For eight years Steve and Jim enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Then, Steve and Jim were faced with a life-threatening challenge that pushed play off completely.

Sex

Sex Is Good for You

Linda and Charlie Bloom on June 23, 2021

Sex releases hormones like oxytocin, which makes us feel good.

Sex releases hormones like oxytocin, which makes us feel good.

Relationships

Love Is a Great Mystery

Linda and Charlie Bloom on June 18, 2021

The notion that love is a practice that requires the cultivation of some cherished beliefs about the meaning of love...

The notion that love is a practice that requires the cultivation of some cherished beliefs about the meaning of love...

Relationships

The Importance of Deep Listening in a Relationship

Linda and Charlie Bloom on June 15, 2021

8 skills that we can learn from listening to others.

8 skills that we can learn from listening to others.

Relationships

Are You Eligible for a Great Relationship?

Linda and Charlie Bloom on June 8, 2021

Some couples start their partnership with a strong capacity to love and be loved. But others have to work long and hard to grow.

Some couples start their partnership with a strong capacity to love and be loved. But others have to work long and hard to grow.

Relationships

What Is Talking Meditation?

Linda and Charlie Bloom on June 7, 2021

The benefit of slowing down the pace of communication.

The benefit of slowing down the pace of communication.

Relationships

Feeling Distant Doesn't Necessarily Mean that a Relationship Is Over

Linda and Charlie Bloom on June 4, 2021

Addressing distance can lead to greater intimacy.

Addressing distance can lead to greater intimacy.

Relationships

When a Repair Attempt Fails

Linda and Charlie Bloom on May 31, 2021

Understanding the critical importance of repair attempts empowers is all to restore trust that has been damaged.

Understanding the critical importance of repair attempts empowers is all to restore trust that has been damaged.

Loneliness

Alleviating Loneliness: Steps to Nurture a Support System

Linda and Charlie Bloom on May 29, 2021

Loneliness in the pandemic can wear on a person...

Loneliness in the pandemic can wear on a person...

Self-Talk

The Inner Critic Is a Big Bully

Linda and Charlie Bloom on May 22, 2021

The voice of the critic is the internalized voice of significant figures from our developmental years.

The voice of the critic is the internalized voice of significant figures from our developmental years.

Relationships

Are You Acting Out Your Pain or Working Through It?

Linda and Charlie Bloom on May 22, 2021

When we act out, our inner conflicts show themselves repeatedly in poor choices and limited well-being in relationships.

When we act out, our inner conflicts show themselves repeatedly in poor choices and limited well-being in relationships.

Relationships

Strengthening Qualities to Enhance Love in our Relationships

Linda and Charlie Bloom on May 15, 2021

How do we learn to love ourselves so we can better love people in our lives?

How do we learn to love ourselves so we can better love people in our lives?

Attention

The Best Things in Life Aren’t Things

Linda and Charlie Bloom on May 9, 2021

When a person feels gratitude toward us, it has very little, if anything, to do with how much money we have spent on them.

When a person feels gratitude toward us, it has very little, if anything, to do with how much money we have spent on them.

Marriage

Getting the Most Out of Marriage Counseling

Linda and Charlie Bloom on May 2, 2021

By the time a couple reaches out to ask for help from a marriage counselor, the partners are often locked into painful, angry patterns.

By the time a couple reaches out to ask for help from a marriage counselor, the partners are often locked into painful, angry patterns.

Relationships

Perfectly You

Linda and Charlie Bloom on April 25, 2021

A Latina immigrant triumphs.

A Latina immigrant triumphs.