Relationships

By Adam Gragg on Nov 10, 2017 in Relationships | 0 comments

Powerful conversations have transformed my life for the better. I long for them. While there are no guarantees, you can create an environment where meaningful discussions are more likely to occur. Great questions are a part of creating this environment. I have a friend from college named Aaron. I remember us having meaningful talks soon after we met. They were about...

By Adam Gragg on Sep 17, 2017 in Relationships, Stress | 0 comments

Ever had a conversation and then suddenly, out of nowhere, you become emotionally overwhelmed? Maybe this has happened with a boss, co-workers, or someone in your family. Maybe they say something you perceive as hurtful or threatening. Possibly they remind you of someone who mistreated you in the past. Do you know what triggered you? Do they know? In these...

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. 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, you’re dead” –...

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. I shared about how stuffing feelings has damaged me and...

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...