top of page

THE STIR
BLOG


Rewiring the Brain: How Neuroplasticity Supports Addiction Recovery
Addiction changes the brain, but so does recovery. Through neuroplasticity, every small act of healing becomes a step toward a stronger, healthier, and freer self.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
5 days ago3 min read


Avoiding Difficult Conversations In Relationships
Difficult conversations are a part of every meaningful relationship. When approached with respect and understanding, they can actually deepen trust and intimacy. As Dr. Gottman puts it, “Conflict is an opportunity to learn how to love each other better.”

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Nov 143 min read


6 Myths Of Infidelity: What Couples Really Need To Know
Infidelity is one of the most feared and painful breaches in any relationship. Yet despite how common it is, myths and misconceptions about affairs continue to cloud our understanding — often adding shame, blame, and confusion where clarity is most needed.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Nov 13 min read


The Effects of Gratitude on the Brain: How Thankfulness Shapes Mental Wellness
Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting emotion — it’s a powerful practice that reshapes how we experience the world. By intentionally focusing on what we appreciate, we train our brains to find balance, joy, and connection more easily. Over time, gratitude becomes more than an act — it becomes a state of mind, one that supports lasting emotional and relational health.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Oct 123 min read


How To Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Inner Confidence
Self-doubt may never disappear completely—but it doesn’t have to run your life. With awareness, compassion, and practice, you can learn to hear its voice without obeying it. The goal isn’t to never feel doubt—it’s to move forward anyway, trusting that you are stronger, wiser, and more capable than that inner critic wants you to believe.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Oct 22 min read


When Negativity Takes Over: Understanding Negative Sentiment Override
Relationships naturally go through ups and downs, but sometimes the balance tips in a way that makes every interaction feel like a potential conflict. Psychologist Dr. John Gottman describes this dynamic as Negative Sentiment Override (NSO)—a state where negativity colours how partners see and interpret each other, even when the intent is neutral or positive.
Paula Gurnett
Sep 172 min read


How To Help Your Partner When You've Betrayed Them
Helping your partner after betrayal isn’t about winning them back with quick fixes—it’s about walking with them through the pain you caused and proving, through steady action, that you can be safe again. Rebuilding trust is possible, but it requires patience, humility, and a willingness to prioritize their healing, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Paula Gurnett
Sep 43 min read


5 Things To Remember When Working Through Trauma
If you are working through trauma, remember: you are not broken, and you are not alone. Healing is possible, even if it takes time and courage. With compassion, support, and the right tools, you can move toward a life where your past no longer defines your present.
Paula Gurnett
Aug 122 min read


Permission to Feel: A Path to Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing
By granting ourselves and others the permission to feel, we open the door to a more empathetic, resilient, and emotionally intelligent society.
Paula Gurnett
Aug 13 min read


The Myth That Affairs Only Happen In Unhappy Relationships - And Why It's Not True
Many people hold the belief that affairs are purely a symptom of a miserable or broken relationship — but world-renowned relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman and his team have found that this is far from the whole truth.
Paula Gurnett
Jul 183 min read


Treating Shame With Brainspotting Therapy
Shame does not have to define you. With therapies like Brainspotting, healing is possible — not just intellectually, but deeply, in your body and spirit.
Paula Gurnett
Jul 63 min read


8 Powerful Ways To Build Emotional Intimacy In Your Relationship
When emotional intimacy grows, so does the richness, resilience, and joy of your relationship.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Jun 143 min read


How To Move On From A Relationship: A Gentle Guide To Healing
Moving on isn’t about forgetting the relationship; it’s about learning to live fully again, carrying forward the wisdom you gained.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Jun 22 min read


The Pros of Intensive Therapy: A Deep Dive into Healing
Intensive therapy is not just therapy turned up in volume—it’s therapy turned deeper, wider, and more focused. For those who are ready and willing, it can be a powerful catalyst for change, clarity, and emotional freedom. If you feel like you’ve been surviving instead of thriving, this might be the step that leads you into lasting healing.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
May 183 min read


How To Make Your Therapy More Effective
Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, but its effectiveness depends largely on how you approach it.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
May 42 min read


Betrayal Trauma and Healing: Rebuilding Trust and Finding Inner Peace
Betrayal trauma may change you, but it does not have to define you.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Apr 163 min read


Men Experiencing Abuse: Breaking The Silence
Abuse is often perceived as something that primarily affects women, but the reality is that men can also be victims.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Apr 22 min read


4 Common Mistakes Couples Make During Conflict (And How to Fix Them)
Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, but learning to navigate conflict with effectively can lead to a stronger partnership.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Mar 192 min read


What To Do After Affair Recovery Therapy: Rebuilding Trust And Moving Forward
Affair recovery therapy provides essential tools for processing betrayal, rebuilding communication, and restoring trust.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Mar 32 min read


How To Set Healthy Boundaries For A Balanced Life
Embrace the power of boundaries and start living a more balanced, fulfilled life.

Paula Gurnett, MA, C.C.C.
Feb 153 min read

bottom of page


