A Smooth Sea Never Made A Skilled Sailor.

How, exactly, can something be “tight but loose”? The first thing that may come to mind are knots tied by sailors. Imagine, if you will, a sailor on a stormy sea, deftly tying knots to secure the vessel. The sailor's expertise lies in crafting knots that are secure enough to weather the tempest, yet adaptable to the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Similarly, an EFT therapist skillfully ties - and unties - emotional knots, creating a safe harbor for couples navigating the turbulent waters of their relationships. The art lies in weaving a tapestry of emotional connection that is both resilient and malleable, a delicate dance of tight and loose threads that withstand the storms of life. The phrase “tight but loose” actually popped into my head over the weekend as I rocked my way, album by album, through Led Zeppelin’s discography on Spotify. It’s the music-nerd equivalent of binge watching all three seasons of Ted Lasso in a weekend. But I digress… Once upon a time, guitarist Jimmy Page used that phrase to describe the band’s music. Halfway through their nearly 10-minute epic song “Kashmir”, it hit me. Just as Robert Plant's vocals soared to unparalleled heights while Jimmy Page's guitar riffs shredded through musical norms, an EFT therapist delicately navigates the symphony of emotions within the therapy room. "Tight but loose" captures the balance of structure and spontaneity as therapists guide couples through the intricate dance of connection and vulnerability. The precision of technique, being therapeutically "tight," ensures a secure foundation, while the flexibility, the "loose," allows for the ebb and flow of emotions to unfold organically. In the therapy room, the therapist takes on the role of a musical conductor, orchestrating the intricate harmonies of emotions. Much like Led Zeppelin's ability to balance precision with improvisation, an EFT therapist guides couples through the tight structure of identified patterns and the loose exploration of underlying emotions. The therapist becomes a maestro of emotions, helping couples discover the rhythm of their connection and weaving a narrative that harmonizes their unique love song. So, dear readers, whether you find yourself rocking out to Led Zeppelin's legendary tunes, tying knots on the high seas, or navigating the delicate nuances of therapy, remember the wisdom of being "tight but loose." Especially in that wonderfully therapeutic sense that both things can be true. In these realms, the magic lies in finding the equilibrium between structure and spontaneity, precision and flexibility, creating a symphony of connection that resonates through the ages. As therapists, sailors, and music enthusiasts alike will tell you, it's in this delicate dance that the most profound and beautiful stories unfold. Now, on with this week’s Ohio EFT Newsletter:

Can Divorce Be Affordable? Yes, But Only If Spouses Want It To Be. by Caitlin Kelly. on November 27th, 2023 This recent New York Times article highlights the idea that there are ways to reduce the stress and expense of ending a marriage, but they require both parties to want to end the relationship civilly. Are Your Antidepressants Causing Weird Dreams? by Allison Young MD on November 27th, 2023 Psychiatrist Allison Young, MD, explains why medications for depression can affect your slumber. Plus 4 tips for coping if they’re keeping you awake. Ohio EFT’s Next Monthly Google Meet Video Call - Friday December 29th @ 9:00am (EST) by Ohio EFT on November 27th, 2023 Join us at 9:00am on the last Friday of the year, December 29th, for our continuing discussion about Emotionally Focused Therapy. We’ll be moving into Stage 2 with Step 5 - Helping both partners get in touch with any needs, emotions and self-perceptions that they’ve been pushing aside or refusing to acknowledge. I’ll have the link in the next edition of the newsletter.

How Being In Love Affects Your Brain (Says Science). by Dr. Sue Johnson on November 27th, 2023 In this two-minute video Dr. Sue Johnson answers the question: Is love the most powerful thing in the world? If Attitudes Don’t Shift, A Political Dating Mismatch Will Threaten Marriage. by The Washington Post Editorial Board on November 27th, 2023 According to a major new American Enterprise Institute survey, 46 percent of White Gen Z women are liberal, compared to only 28 percent of White Gen Z men, more of whom (36 percent) now identify as conservative. So… as Gen Z women are turning left and men are veering right… the editorial board at one of the nation’s largest newspapers asks “Can American marriage be saved?” Therapists’ Strategies for Dealing With Difficult Family Members. by Paige Jarvie Brettingen on November 27th, 2023 No one knows how to push your buttons like your family does. Here are some strategies for navigating challenging family dynamics and setting boundaries to help you get through difficult family gatherings unscathed.

FREE Webinar: Brand Storytelling. by Ann Handley on November 27th, 2023 O.K…. this ISN’T about therapy. However, it’s increasingly clear that we live in an era where professionals, including therapists, need to be creating more content. I’ve attended sessions by Ann Handley at Content Marketing Worldand she is a dynamite speaker. This December 7th online conference will be led by experts and promises to unveil trends, strategies, and tips for impactful marketing & communications in 2024. If you’re looking for ways to amplify your brand, this free webinar should be well worth an hour of your time. How to Set Up a Therapist Cancellation Policy. by BrighterVision on November 27th, 2023 Do you have a cancellation policy? Are you worried that such a policy could strain your therapist-client relationships? This article explains how you can implement a cancellation policy that serves your clients and your private practice in a way that doesn’t detract from your therapy. Eternal Sunset. by Recomendo on November 27th, 2023 Here’s a fitting way to end this week’s newsletter… View a Sunset at virtually any time of the day with Sunset.funwebsite.fun. This website will connect you to livestreams and webcams all over the world and tell you how many minutes have passed before or after sunset. It’s fascinating to look at this in the morning as my day is just beginning. It’s a nice way to feel connected to far-off parts of our planet.

Got something you’d like to share for an upcoming newsletter? Send it to chris@ohioeft.com

---