Author: Iveta Upeniece

  • How to Make Bedtime Easier for Young Children?

    Continuing the discussion on sleep, I often hear from parents about the challenges of putting young children to bed. That’s why I decided to share some insights, hoping they will be useful. Bedtime can be a challenging time for both parents and young children, but a calm and consistent routine can make the process much smoother. In psychotherapy sessions with parents, we discuss strategies for creating…

  • Strategies for Better Sleep: Overcoming Insomnia

    Insomnia is a common issue  that brings many people to psychotherapy. That’s why I wanted to explore some effective strategies that may help improve sleep. Understanding the Causes of Insomnia Insomnia can be a difficult psycho-emotional state, disrupting both mental and physical well-being. 📌 Addressing sleep problems requires a holistic approach, combining:✔ Therapeutic techniques✔ Lifestyle & habit changes✔ In some cases, adjustments to life circumstances One…

  • How Childhood Trauma Affects Romantic Relationships

    Gottman’s theory, which I consider a cornerstone of relationship psychology, sheds light on the profound impact of childhood trauma on adult romantic relationships. When partners experience difficulties in their relationship, it often means that childhood wounds and unresolved psychological complexes have been triggered. Recognizing and addressing the influence of past trauma on both individual well-being and relationships is crucial. 💡 Individuals with unresolved emotional trauma tend…

  • The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Relationships: How They Destroy Love

    I wanted to explore the key factors that destroy relationships.John Gottman, one of the most influential researchers in relationship psychology, identified these destructive patterns and called them “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. In the world of relationships, these metaphorical “Four Horsemen” act as harbingers of relationship demise. If left unaddressed, these patterns can erode even the strongest foundations of…

  • The Key to Successful Relationships

    Working with couples, I’ve often pondered what truly forms the foundation of a successful relationship—what is the ultimate key? As I read through research and analyze statistics, I’ve come to believe in the numbers, and I feel like I’ve finally found the key. The best part? It’s incredibly simple, and anyone in any relationship can…

  • Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Relationships

    Understanding the Psychological Dynamics First, start by reflecting on your emotions and motivations. What unconscious psychological patterns are hidden behind this relationship dynamic? What role does your past play in these choices?Understanding why you ended up in such a self-destructive and painful situation will provide clarity about your inner world and unresolved complexes. Bringing these patterns into consciousness allows you to step out of fate and into…

  • How to Keep the Spark in Intimacy?

    A Guide to Long-Term Compatibility, Inspired by Research from the Gottman Institute Maintaining the spark of intimacy in a long-term relationship is a delicate dance that requires attention, effort, and understanding. Relationship researcher and psychologist Dr. John Gottman, renowned for his extensive studies on relationships, offers insights that can help couples sustain the flame of…

  • The Shadow Aspects That Destroy Relationships

    Relationships can be compared to complex and fragile ecosystems that require care and constant attention. As a Jungian analyst, I have observed many factors that can harm relationships—factors that often hide in the unconscious shadows of our psyche. In this article, I will explore some of these hidden threats and explain how they can endanger…

  • How to Keep the Spark in Intimacy? A Guide to Long-Term Compatibility, Inspired by Gottman Institute Research

    The journey of long-term relationships and keeping the spark of intimacy alive is a delicate dance that requires attention, effort, and understanding. Renowned relationship researcher and psychologist Dr. John Gottman, known for his extensive studies on relationships, provides insights that can help couples maintain the flame of their relationship for years to come. 1. Building…

  • Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships

    As the holiday season approaches, it’s a good time to reassess old burdens, especially those that cause headaches and sleepless nights—such as toxic relationships. Toxic relationships are marked by a distorted perception of reality and a loss of inner integrity during or after interactions with a specific person. Everything you say is perceived in a warped manner, as…