Why accidentally (or intentionally) weaponizing your partner’s love language could be a recipe for heartache.

Ah, love languages! The magical keys that unlock the doors to our hearts and, occasionally, to our favorite dessert spots. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I’ve had my fair share of couples who’ve approached me with quizzical expressions, wondering why their partner insists on receiving love in a completely foreign language. Fear not, lovebirds, for today we’re digging into the world of weaponizing your partner’s love language – not to start World War III, but to create a more harmony.

How many of you have teens, or are a teen? I don’t know about you, but I’m terrified of my teens getting their hearts broken, or worse. Statistics show that teen dating violence is getting worse and it affects MILLIONS of teens each year, and I’m seeing it affect many of the teens here in middle Georgia.

Data from CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019 indicate that among U.S. high school students who reported dating during the 12 months before the survey:

About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence.

About 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence.

Parenting teens can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly fulfilling. Here are five ways to successfully parent teenagers:

You may be wondering if you should tell your therapist the truth about how you are feeling. If I tell her, will I be hospitalized? Will she believe me? Will he tell my parents and then I’ll be in trouble? The answers to these questions could be “Maybe.”

Licensed Therapist in Perry Georgia shares three actionable tips to improve your productivity in the workplace, in your personal life, or at school.

Do you compare yourself to others and find yourself lacking? Or do you catch yourself speaking or thinking negatively about yourself? You may be dealing with low self-esteem. Here are some practical ways you can start to boost your self-esteem today.

Did you know that laughing has actual health benefits? Medical and mental health professionals agree that there are short-term and long-term benefits to laughter. Here are a few of my favorite reasons why we should all try to add more humor to our lives. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Bettina Lyons, shares ways that introducing laughter and silliness into your days can benefit many areas of your life.

Where are my people who can get lost even with a map? Even with step-by-step instructions? This is the story of my life. I am not a good tracker of time. I am not a good navigator. I cannot interpret maps. So, why did I think that I could plan a hike in California (across the country from where we reside)? I thought I could, so I did. This seemed like a great date idea for us. I planned for us to take what was described as a “moderate to strenuous” 3.3 mile hike that combined two hikes. It seemed simple enough. I did not communicate the directions well to my husband because I did not have them solid in my own mind. Even though I’m not a great navigator, this ended up still being a very fun experience. We can look back on this hike with fondness and laughter because we were able to communicate with each other with love and respect.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be happy? Like truly happy? I mean, like those people who find joy in things even when it seems like they have a permanent rain cloud affixed to their circumstances?

Five ways to find peace in the midst of your stress and busyness.

I really miss date nights with my husband. I miss getting ready to go out to eat or to catch some live music, or even just walking around downtown. My husband and I have always made time together a priority, but ever since this pandemic hit, we have found it more tricky to be deliberate with that “we time.” I have compiled a list of ten quarantine-style dates to help you find ways to connect with your partner.

I don’t know about you, but life is bananas right now. I’m finding myself juggling roles that I never thought I’d find myself in- home school teacher, principal, cafeteria lady, spring break entertainer, and even telemental health therapist. The date that our kids return to school has been pushed back another month. This time is full of changes and unknowns. It seems like every time I turn on the news, the number of confirmed cases is on a swift uptick. People that I know are being personally affected. How do we find balance?

Bettina Lyons, LMFT offers encouragement during COVID-19

How do I know if I need therapy?

How to listen like you mean it. “You’re not listening! I keep trying to tell you… “ or “You aren’t hearing me. How many times do I have to tell you…?” Do those sound familiar? Have you been the one to exclaim those types of statements? Or, have you been on the receiving end of those? Or maybe both. And, why does this happen in the first place?

Six common misconceptions about therapy. You have to lay down on the therapy sofa while your therapist psychoanalyzes all of your childhood experiences. No, you don’t have to lay down on a chaise sofa while your therapist discretely takes notes behind you. You can sit down and grab a blanket if you are cold, or even eat a snack if you are hungry. The goal is to be comfortable because you are generally talking about stuff that is uncomfortable. Now with that being said, I do have a sofa in my therapy office, and if you want to lay down during your therapy session, go ahead!

How many of you date your spouse?

Why is this even important?

What does dating your spouse even look like?

Now that I have you thinking about this, and with Valentine’s Day lurking around the corner, you may be saying these things to yourself:

Do I even want to go on a date with my husband or wife?

What will we talk about?

Who will watch the kids?

We can’t afford to get a sitter and go on a date.

Not that these are not important questions or thoughts…but so is having protected time with your spouse. How will your prioritize this? Who can you lean on to make this happen?