Relationships

By Adam Gragg on Aug 22, 2017 in Relationships | 2 comments

We are not fueled by achievement, but by connection. Loving and supportive relationships are necessary to thrive. If you get this backwards, when you fail, or life stops going well, or others achieve more, you’ll feel worthless. Furthermore, you’ll end up miserable just like all victims of the comparison trap. Very few people feel deeply worthy of love....

By Adam Gragg on Jul 2, 2017 in Relationships, Stress | 0 comments

I’m a middle child from a fairly loud and emotional family. Looking back, it seems like everyone expressed how they felt, except me. I decided at a young age to live inside my head and hide my feelings. As a therapist, I see a strong correlation between a lack of healthy emotionally expression with both depression and anxiety. “Live in your head,...

By Adam Gragg on Jul 1, 2017 in Relationships, Stress | 0 comments

Being vulnerable on an emotional level is terrifying. One reason I became a therapist is to appear like I’ve got things together. When people come to me for help, I’m seen as the expert, therefore I remain in control. I’m more comfortable helping than being helped. Asking for help is scary. Not being in control is even more terrifying. I shared...

By Adam Gragg on Apr 20, 2017 in Relationships | 0 comments

Knowing the right things to ask makes a big difference. Here are three things I keep in mind when preparing questions for clients: 1. Great questions start with a “what”, “how”, or a “tell me about”. 2. Always be prepared with 2 or 3 powerful questions to start the session. 3. Powerful questions are simple. “Sometimes...

By Adam Gragg on Dec 17, 2016 in Relationships | 0 comments

You may be looking forward to the extra time with friends and family over the holidays. Like me, you have high hopes then you can get disappointed as you slide back into old patterns of relating. It’s hard to break old habits. Resist the belief that things can’t change. Prepare to get out of the holidays what you want rather than being blindsided and disappointed....

By Adam Gragg on Oct 13, 2016 in Marriage, Relationships | 0 comments

Great conversations start with great questions. Genuine, authentic, and heartfelt conversations connect people and can transform relationships. Here’s a list of 50 of my favorite conversation starters. Use this tool to build relationships at work, home, and with your friends. They work well for team meetings and family events. Enjoy! 50 Relationship Building...