This blog post has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Kathy Ann Hardie-Williams M.Ed MS PC DC MFT, Focused Solutions
I believe that the key to strong and enduring relationships is the development of a strong sense of self. While the goal for most individuals is to create a deep sense of intimacy, developing a strong sense of self is a prerequisite to creating an emotional connection. Initially, the primary focus in my work with individuals and couples is the individual growth and differentiation of each individual in order to increase a strong sense of self. My work with clients then moves toward increasing their capacity to accept and tolerate differences, a process that must occur prior to increasing an emotional bond with others.
The objective of my work is to facilitate the process of knowing yourself, which includes knowing what you need and want. You are responsible for articulating what you need to others from a direct and non-judgmental perspective that includes self-awareness and the desire to know yourself and others you are connected to. I facilitate you, and/or other family members in identifying and communicating your needs and wants to each other.
Conducive to this process is the ability to experience a reasonable degree of conflict in your relationships and the willingness to believe that your relationships can improve. I use a tool called the Myers-Briggs (MBTI). To understand how the MBTI can help increase your level of self-understanding, watch the following TED Talk:
www.voicetube.com/videos/58456
After teaching for 10 years and practicing as a licensed counselor for 15 years, the desire to help people identify outcomes they are working toward and identify solutions to reach those outcomes drove me to change my practice. The purpose of my work is to help you identify the outcomes you are looking for, identify the solutions you are looking for to reach them, as well as to learn to tolerate conflict and differences in relationships while staying emotionally connected. My goal as a Life Coach, Relationship Coach, and Divorce Coach is to facilitate healthy and satisfying relationships, self-understanding, spiritual connection, and the process of reaching your full potential. While this can be an extremely challenging task, I am very driven toward facing this challenge as a Life Coach, Relationship Coach, and Divorce Coach.