Celebrating LOVE on Valentine's Day

Card sticking out of an envelope on a wooden background with two hearts on sticks next to it. Card had a stick figure holding a giant heart. Family Counseling in Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 is available to Foundations Family Therapy in Raleigh, NC 27606. You can also get online therapy in North Carolina!

Love.

It’s a four-letter word everyone’s talking about with Valentine’s Day approaching. But the true meaning of love is complex. It’s an emotion perhaps more powerful than any other emotion!

Love is about setting priorities…
Love is about respect and trust…
Love is about respect and kindness…
Love is patient…
Love is SO many things!

Love Is Not Dependent On The Outcome

“Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity”

C.S. Lewis

It’s hard when people don’t return your love the way you hoped. It requires you to be courageous, resilient and hopeful. As hard as rejection can seem, it’s important to know that love is never wasted.

Love is patient which means you can’t get too caught up on someone’s response to your love and generosity. Give love freely to better someone else and not in a desire to make yourself feel better. It means that your care is not dependent on their response. Loving well is never a waste.

We don’t need to look to the past regretfully, but we can look back with gratitude for the opportunity we were given to love at all.

5 Inspiring Quotes To Welcome Spring

Child Therapist | Teen Counseling | Foundations Family Therapy | Fuquay Varina & Raleigh, NC

Spring is a season filled with hope! In nature, we watch beauty bloom and regrow around us. There’s optimism and cheer in the warm breeze as we welcome the new season ahead.

Let go of the long, cold days of winter and welcome the warm sunshine of spring with these inspiring quotes.

How Couples Therapy Can Strengthen Your Relationship

Being in a relationship is a wonderful thing. Healthy relationships provide a sense of comfort, support and, of course, love. Relationships are special because they allow us to connect to someone in a deeper way. Unfortunately, one thing people often forget is that relationships are also work. They require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Don’t wait until things get out of hand to get help with your relationship. Here are a few ways couple’s therapy can help maintain all the wonderful things about your relationship.

Active participation. Couples therapy is a great way to allow both couples to participate and be heard. This type of participation can provide treatment for you as a couple instead of as two individuals.

Better understanding. Therapy provides a healthy and safe setting where you communicate with your partner. You’ll be able to listen and understand your parents feelings to move forward in repairing or maintaining you relationship.

Reconnection. Better understanding leads to reconnection. Once you identify the issues and make steps to work toward them, you can focus on the positive aspect of your relationship.

Judgement free. At Foundations Family Therapy, you’ll work with one of our Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists [LMFT] who will provide professional guidance and support to both people. This is a great way to get a qualified third-party opinion to help you strengthen your relationship.

Provide solutions. Best of all, couple’s therapy can help provide solutions to your problems as a couple. Your therapist will work to identify the obstacles in your relationship and provide professional recommendations to help you move forward in love and support. Many couples leave therapy having gained insight into their relational patterns, emotional expressions and skills necessary to communicate and problem-solve with their partners more effectively.

How Self-Love Can Change Your Life

Believe it or not, self-love is NOT about being selfish. It’s not about “getting what you want” or over indulging. Self-love is in fact not selfish… it’s actually completely necessary. It’s about taking the time to care and love ourselves for who we are. Self-love is simply about gaining power and control of our happiness. When we act from a place of kindness toward ourselves, the kindness often emulates around us. Here are some ways you can appreciate and take care of yourself each day.

Practice Forgiveness. Give up on the dangerous idea of perfectionism and choose acceptance instead. Embrace your imperfections. Someone else may see beauty in your flaws. Love yourself for who you are and don’t worry about meeting anyone else’s standards. As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t say it to someone else, don’t say it to yourself!

Be Mindful. Live in the moment. Don’t let life pass you by! Sometimes, you have to leave the past in the past. If you develop a positive outlook, you can view your mistakes and obstacles are opportunities to learn and grow.

Express Your Creativity. Self-expression is essential to happiness. Often times, we can unleash our happiness when we tap into our creative side. Once you discover your passion in life, don’t be afraid to express yourself.

Get Outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Get outside and enjoy nature. Even a 5-minute walk each day can refresh your mind and greatly boost your mood. It is scientifically proven that the sun provides Vitamin D which can also elevate your mood…just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Say No. You really can’t practice self-love properly if you are constantly giving to others. Remember that it’s OK to say no sometimes. Learn how to set boundaries and be mindful of your personal space. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Above all, don’t let others define your happiness. Create your own path in life. We can help!