Do You Hold These Distorted Beliefs About Relationships?

We develop all sorts of ideas about relationships from our families and friends, our own experiences and, of course, from our culture. We develop these ideas from movies and sitcoms, too. In fact, therapist Anna Osborn, LMFT, has worked with several couples who’ve used on-screen couples as examples of what their relationship should look like. “I’ve had to gently remind them that those people are being paid money to follow a director’s script,” Osborn said. We might not realize it but these distorted beliefs pervade our psyche and deeply affect our relationships. For instance, we might end a relationship prematurely, running away at the first sign of trouble, said Alyssa Mairanz, LMHC, a psychotherapist in New York City who specializes in relationships. Which means we squash the opportunity to build a strong bond. These beliefs can make it “almost impossible to find meaningful, satisfying relationships,” she said. These beliefs create unrealistic expectations, said Osborn, a psychotherapist who practices in Sacramento, Calif., and virtually coaches couples across the country. They become “‘reasons’ for why we can’t connect with another — rather than stepping back and better exploring the roadblocks we’re creating on our own.” This is precisely why it’s important to examine your beliefs about what healthy relationships really look like. Below you’ll find a range of distorted ideas, along with the facts. Distorted belief:...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: General Marriage and Divorce Mental Health and Wellness Relationships Alyssa Mairanz Anna Osborn Communication connection Couples cultivating connection distorted beliefs healthy communication Healthy Relationships Interpersonal Source Type: blogs