Open Hand Counselling Blog
The Healing Power of Silence: Boosting Creativity, Mindfulness & Inner Peace
Silence can feel uncomfortable, even unsettling, but it holds surprising power. When we pause the noise, we uncover hidden emotions, open space for mindfulness, and tap into creativity and inner peace. Discover how practicing silence supports emotional healing, mental clarity, and self-discovery.
John Gottman’s Four Horsemen of Communication: A Guide to Healthier Relationships
Dr. John Gottman’s Four Horsemen of communication, criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, are powerful predictors of relationship breakdown. Learn how relationship counselling and healthier communication skills can replace these patterns with appreciation, accountability, and emotional intimacy.
How Important Is It? A Psychological Guide to Gaining Perspective
Not every challenge needs an immediate reaction. Learning to pause, breathe, and ask “How important is it?” is a powerful tool for stress management, emotional balance, and healthier relationships. This psychological guide shares mindfulness techniques, counselling-inspired questions, and simple strategies to build resilience, reduce anxiety, and focus on what truly matters.
Self-Soothing for Couples. Regulating Emotions to Stay Connected
Discover how self-soothing can transform conflict into connection. Learn practical techniques for calming emotional flooding in relationships, from grounding exercises to taking a soothing timeout. Based on John Gottman’s research, these tools help couples regulate their emotions, prevent escalation, and return to conversations with clarity and respect.
At Open Hand Counselling, we guide partners in building emotional regulation skills and healthy communication habits. Whether you’re seeking strategies to calm down during arguments or looking for support in managing conflict with compassion, this post offers insight and encouragement for staying connected when it matters most.
Why We Seek Approval and How to Break Free
Approval-seeking, people-pleasing, and the fear of rejection often damage self-worth and fuel perfectionism. Social media, comparison culture, and external validation can keep us trapped in cycles of anxiety and low confidence.
Learn how to overcome approval-seeking behaviours by practicing self-compassion, challenging negative beliefs, and building resilience. Reclaim authenticity, boost confidence, and develop emotional maturity for lasting personal growth.
Staying on Your Side of the Street
Healthy relationships thrive when we set emotional boundaries, practice self-awareness, and take personal responsibility for our feelings. This approach, often called staying on your side of the street, is a powerful way to improve communication skills, reduce conflict, and foster deeper connection. Inspired by Brené Brown’s boundary work and Nonviolent Communication principles, this method helps you manage your own emotions while respecting others.