This Isn't Working for Me

A Practical Guide for Making Every Relationship in Your Life More Fulfilling, Authentic, and Intentional

Ilene S. Cohen, Edrica D. Richardson

• Publisher: Bridge City Books
• Year: 2024
• eBook ISBN: 9781962305051
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Psychotherapy
• Index: Psychology

It's me. No, it's you. Maybe it's both of us? We all want to avoid drama and pain in our relationships, yet we remain stuck in never-ending cycles of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and triggering interactions. Sometimes it just seems easier to decide we are "done" with people rather than continue trying over and over again. Even our best and closest relationships—with our partners, friends, family, and colleagues—can feel unduly challenging. In this straightforward guide, expert relationship therapists Edrica Richardson and Ilene Cohen get to the heart of what it means to really be in fulfilling relationships and why connecting with the ones you love can feel so hard. You'll learn how "doing the work" encourages healing and growth within yourself and within your relationships. Filled with activities, quizzes, and prompts that offer support in every step of the process, This Isn't Working for Me will help you go deeper in your relationships by exploring:
• Six steps to creating the relationships you want —Discover the foundational elements that will help you build (or build back) strong, sustainable connections.
• Self-empowerment —Learn how a willingness to focus on yourself helps cultivate resilience, trust, and a stronger sense of self.
• The science of relationships —Understand what happens in the brain and body when you are upset and angry, and learn the benefits of turning impulsive reactions into responses that you choose. Creating and maintaining strong, fulfilling relationships doesn't mean disregarding your own boundaries or letting go of what you want for the sake of "keeping the peace" in your home, family, friend group, or workplace. Instead, it means being more yourself! By moving into the fullness of who you are, you can claim freedom and agency in your own life, learn how to release blame, and cultivate happier and healthier relationships with those you love.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication Page
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Part 1: Understanding Relationships
• Part 2: Secrets and Stages to Fulfilling Relationships
• Bridging Cutoff
• Final Thoughts
• References
• Acknowledgments
• About the Authors
• Back Cover