Well, there may still be snow on the ground, but Spring has officially sprung! I am getting ready to start taming my garden after a long, cold winter-- old plants need to be cut down, decaying weeds must be raked and bagged, and a fresh new layer of compost should be spread over the entire garden. There is lots to do, but Spring cleaning is always a hopeful, exciting project to embark upon.

As you may have guessed, gardens are not the only part of life that can use a good tidying up after a long winter hibernation! Many of us have spent the past little while cooped up inside, without much exercise or fresh air. If you live with your partner, you may have noticed that this "cabin fever" can lead to flaring tempers, and even the strongest couples can end up frustrated at one another.

Spring is a great time to remember that after darkness comes light. It is never too late to discuss conflicts and unhealthy patterns of behaviour with your significant other. It is also never too late to re-orient yourselves in hopes of creating a stronger, healthier relationship. I recently read a HuffPost Canada article that had a helpful list of guiding principles for relationships, and I've summarized them below:

1. Encourage each other to pursue activities and interests that don't involve each other.

2. Improve your communication skills.

3. Find new ways of keeping your relationship fresh and exciting.

4. Always strive to know your partner on a deeper level.

5. Honour your partner's changing needs, and encourage growth.

6. Keep setting new goals, and help each other achieve them.

This is a great list-- but it can be difficult to do all of this on your own! As an Accredited Family Mediator, I am trained to help couples work through conflict using interest-based negotiation and Non-Violent Communication techniques. In honour of the season, consider signing up for a three session relationship "tune up" with Hayley Glaholt Mediation. Sometimes a quick tune up is all it takes to get things running smoothly again!

Relationship "spring cleaning" Package:

• two one-hour (confidential, individual) sessions during which I learn about you, your relationship, and your goals for the tune-up

• three one-hour (joint) sessions in which we will:

• discuss ongoing conflict

• analyze reoccuring patterns of behaviour

• learn practical skills for communicating about conflict in a new way

• resolve old arguments using concrete, effective negotiation and communication techniques

• a written summary of what you have accomplished during each session, including examples of new communication techniques in practice

• this package (five hours total) is a single payment of $600 (+HST); sessions are available after 5:00pm if needed

I am always happy to speak with clients for a complimentary 30 minute phone session so we can discuss your needs and questions. For more information, email me at: info@hgmediation.com

Happy Spring cleaning!

#communication #mediation #marriage #family #relationships #NonViolentCommunication