As children, we learn about relationships by watching our parents interact with each other. We see how they communicate, how they resolve conflict, and how they show love and affection. These observations become our template for how we expect relationships to work.

If our parents had a healthy, loving relationship, we are more likely to have secure attachment styles as adults. This means that we feel confident in our ability to form close relationships and that we expect to be loved and supported by our partners.

However, if our parents had an unhealthy or conflictual relationship, we are more likely to have insecure attachment styles. This means that we may have difficulty trusting others, may be afraid of abandonment, or may have a hard time expressing our emotions in relationships.

​Of course, our relationship style is not determined solely by our parents. Our own experiences and personality also play a role. However, our parents' relationship style can have a significant impact on how we approach our own relationships as adults.

Generational Influence
The generational influence on relationship styles is a complex topic. There are many factors that can contribute to how we learn about relationships from our parents, including their own attachment styles, their cultural background, and the historical context in which they grew up.

For example, people who grew up in families where there was a lot of conflict may be more likely to have insecure attachment styles. This is because they may have learned that relationships are inherently unstable and that conflict is inevitable.

On the other hand, people who grew up in families where there was a lot of love and support may be more likely to have secure attachment styles. This is because they may have learned that relationships are a source of comfort and security.

It is also important to note that the generational influence on relationship styles can be passed down from generation to generation. This is because children learn about relationships from their parents, who learned about relationships from their parents, and so on.

As a result, it is not uncommon for people to find themselves repeating the same relationship patterns that their parents did. This can be a challenge to break, but it is possible with awareness and effort.
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Here are some specific ways that the relationship style we learned from our parents can influence us in our adult relationships:

• How we communicate. If our parents communicated in a healthy way, we are more likely to be able to communicate effectively in our own relationships. We will be able to express our needs and feelings in a clear and direct way, and we will be able to listen to our partners' needs and feelings with empathy.
• How we resolve conflict. If our parents were able to resolve conflict in a healthy way, we are more likely to be able to do the same in our own relationships. We will be able to see conflict as an opportunity to grow and learn, and we will be able to communicate our needs and feelings in a way that is respectful and constructive.
• How we show love and affection. If our parents showed love and affection in a healthy way, we are more likely to be able to do the same in our own relationships. We will be able to express our love and appreciation for our partners in a way that is both genuine and comfortable.

If you are concerned that the relationship style you learned from your parents is negatively impacting your own relationships, there are things you can do to change. You can talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you to understand your attachment style and develop healthier relationship patterns. You can also learn about healthy communication and conflict resolution skills.

Remember, you are not doomed to repeat the relationship patterns you learned from your parents. With awareness and effort, you can create healthy, fulfilling relationships in your own life.

Here are some additional tips for breaking the cycle of unhealthy relationship patterns:

• Become aware of your triggers. What are the things that tend to make you feel insecure or anxious in relationships? Once you know your triggers, you can start to develop strategies for coping with them in a healthy way.
• Challenge your negative beliefs about relationships. If you have negative beliefs about relationships, such as "I'm not good enough" or "I'm always going to be hurt," challenge these beliefs with evidence to the contrary.
• Practice healthy communication and conflict resolution skills. There are many resources available to help you learn these skills. Talk to a therapist, counselor, or read books or articles on the topic.
• Be patient with yourself. It takes time and effort to change old patterns. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you will eventually break the cycle.
  
  

If you need help with your relationship, contact Scott Olds at (303) 817-8369 or scott@springsnewhope.com.

As a psychotherapist and in my personal life, I have seen firsthand the impact that shame can have on caregivers for the chronically ill. Shame can be a powerful emotion that can lead to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and worthlessness. It can also make it difficult to ask for help or support.
There are a number of reasons why caregivers may feel shame. They may feel ashamed of the illness itself, or of the way it has changed their lives. They may feel ashamed of their own limitations, or of the things they have to do to care for their loved one. They may also feel ashamed of the financial or emotional burden that the illness has placed on their family.
Shame can have a significant impact on a caregiver's mental and physical health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout. It can also make it difficult to cope with the demands of caregiving.
If you are a caregiver for a chronically ill loved one, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many other caregivers who are going through the same thing. You are not to blame for the illness, and you are not inadequate. You are doing the best you can in a difficult situation.
If you are struggling with feelings of shame, there are things you can do to cope. First, it is important to talk to someone about how you are feeling. A therapist can help you to understand your shame and develop coping mechanisms. You can also find support groups for caregivers, where you can connect with others who understand what you are going through.
It is also important to remember to take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. You should also make time for activities that you enjoy. Taking care of yourself will help you to be better able to cope with the demands of caregiving.
If you are struggling with feelings of shame, please know that you are not alone. There is help available. Please reach out for support.
Here are some additional resources for caregivers who are struggling with shame:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a caregiver support group program called "Family-to-Family." This program provides education, support, and resources to family members and friends of people with mental illness.
  
• The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) offers a variety of resources for caregivers, including a website, a helpline, and a bimonthly magazine.
  
• The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) offers a variety of resources for caregivers, including a website, a helpline, and a toolkit for managing stress.
  

Please remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with the challenges of caregiving.
If you are struggling as a caregiver and need help, contact Scott at (303) 817-8369 or scott@springsnewhope.com.

As a psychotherapist, I often work with highly sensitive people (HSPs) who struggle with anxiety. HSPs are individuals who process information more deeply and intensely than the average person. This can make them more susceptible to anxiety, as they are more likely to be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and emotional triggers.
There are a number of ways that a psychotherapist can help an HSP manage anxiety. Here are a few of the most common:

• Helping the HSP understand their anxiety. The first step to managing anxiety is to understand what it is and why it happens. A psychotherapist can help the HSP understand their triggers, their thought patterns, and their coping mechanisms. This can help the HSP to feel more in control of their anxiety and to develop more effective coping strategies.
• Teaching the HSP relaxation techniques. There are a number of relaxation techniques that can be helpful for people with anxiety. These techniques can help the HSP to calm their body and mind, and they can also help them to reduce stress. Some relaxation techniques that a psychotherapist may teach an HSP include deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
• Helping the HSP set boundaries. HSPs are often empathic and sensitive to the needs of others. This can be a great quality, but it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed and drained. A psychotherapist can help the HSP to set boundaries and learn to say no. This will help the HSP to protect their energy and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Helping the HSP develop a self-care routine. HSPs often need more self-care than the average person. This means making sure they get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. Self-care can help the HSP manage stress and anxiety, and it can also help them to feel better overall.
• Providing support and encouragement. Anxiety can be a difficult condition to deal with, and it is important for the HSP to have someone to talk to who understands what they are going through. A psychotherapist can provide support and encouragement, and they can also help the HSP to stay motivated on their journey to recovery.

If you are an HSP who is struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your symptoms and thrive. With the right support, you can live a happy and fulfilling life.
Here are some additional tips for HSPs who are struggling with anxiety:

• Find a psychotherapist who understands HSPs. Not all psychotherapists are familiar with HSPs, so it is important to find one who understands your needs.
• Be patient with yourself. It takes time to learn how to manage anxiety, so be patient with yourself and don't give up.
• Remember that you are not alone. There are many other HSPs who are struggling with anxiety, and you are not alone.

With the right support, you can learn to manage your anxiety and live a happy and fulfilling life.

If you are a highly sensitive person (HSP) in an abusive relationship, you may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and even hopeless. You may be wondering if you are crazy or if you are just too sensitive.
The truth is, you are not crazy. You are simply a highly sensitive person who has gotten into a relationship with an abuser. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, verbal, and financial abuse.
As an HSP, you are naturally empathic and caring. You are drawn to people who are in need, and you want to help them. This makes you a prime target for an abuser. Abusers are often very good at manipulating and controlling others, and they can easily take advantage of your sensitivity.
If you are in an abusive relationship, you may be experiencing some of the following:

• You feel like you are walking on eggshells. You never know what will set off the abuser, and you are constantly afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing.
  
• You feel like you are never good enough. The abuser is constantly criticizing you, and they make you feel like you are never measuring up.
  
• You feel isolated and alone. The abuser may isolate you from your friends and family, and they may make you feel like you are the only person who understands them.
  
• You feel exhausted and drained. Dealing with an abuser is emotionally and mentally exhausting. You may feel like you are constantly giving and giving, and you never get anything in return.
  

If you are experiencing any of these things, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are many other HSPs who have been in similar situations. You are not crazy, and you are not to blame.
If you are ready to get out of your abusive relationship, there are a few things you can do:

• Seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your relationship with the abuser, and they can teach you how to set boundaries and protect yourself.
  
• Build a support network. Talk to your friends and family about what you are going through. They can offer you support and encouragement.
  
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you to cope with the stress of the situation.
  

Breaking up with an abuser is not easy, but it is possible. With the right support, you can heal from the relationship and move on with your life.
If you are a highly sensitive person in an abusive relationship, please know that you are not alone. There is help available. Please reach out to Scott Olds, Psychotherapist, for support.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  
• The National Center for Victims of Crime: 1-800-FYI-CALL
  
• The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE
  

To find out more, schedule an appointment with Scott Olds at ​(303) 817-8369 or email me at scott@springsnewhope.com.

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