People who have dated a variety of romantic partners probably recognize that relationships develop in a fairly predictable pattern. Typically, you meet someone whom you’re attracted to and start to get to know them, through informal or formal dating. If things are...
Great Conversations Begin With Questions
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft When most people enter a conversation, they typically talk about something that’s appropriate to the nature of the relationship. You make small talk with strangers or acquaintances, catch...
Yes, You Can Learn To Communicate More Eloquently
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft Have you ever enjoyed a presentation where the speaker was absolutely enthralling? Maybe it was a TED talk, or a fascinating scientific presentation at a local university or perhaps a...
Three Ways To Gently Change Someone’s Mind
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft If you care passionately about a subject, you probably take the time to learn all about it. To take a lighthearted example, maybe you care deeply about the revolution going on in college...
What’s Better Than A Bouquet Of Roses?
Virtually everyone in a long-term romantic relationship would admit that keeping the flame alive and deepening the relationship takes a little work. Not in the dreary sense of a job you really don’t feel like doing, but in the delightful sense of dedicating yourself...
The Upside Of Holding Yourself Accountable
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft It may be wishful thinking, but it seems there was a time when American politicians were willing to take responsibility for their actions — when they held themselves accountable to the...
The Science Behind The Art Of Conversation
Individual Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft People initiate all kinds of conversations, usually with the expectation (even if unconsciously) that the conversation will be non-confrontational if not outright pleasant. The...
What’s Better Than Giving Your Partner A Maserati?
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft Here’s a simple question for you: What’s the best way to express love to your spouse or partner? Many people in a long-term romantic relationship might immediately think of the amazing...
Does Your Partner Share Your Guiding Light?
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft When young (and even not-so-young) people begin dating, it’s often with someone they’ve met through a common interest. They might belong to the same tennis club, or get to know each other...
Stressed At Work? Tips To Avoid Burnout
The ubiquitous use of new technology has become something of a cross between humorous and horrifying. Everyone from comedians to TV dramas are showing parodies of a crowd of young people all engrossed in their smartphones. People walking — not to mention driving —...