Wendy E. Crane, LMFT
As I make my pilgrimmage home from The Wellness Institute in Seattle, Washington and another full weekend of learning, training, and personal expansion, I am once again reminded that I do not control the Universe. Do you forget that too sometimes? Riding in an airplane, especially through times of moderate to severe turbulence, is an … Read more
What does the word “commitment” bring up for you? For some of you, it may bring up fear, feelings of constraint, or suffocation. For others of you it may stir thoughts and feelings of security, love, stability, and integrity. My thoughts on commitment have shifted as I have come into the middle phase of my … Read more
What secrets do you keep? What information about yourself is buried so deep that you wouldn’t dream of sharing it with another? You may even pray when you meet someone new that they never find out and fear that if they did, they would never be able to love or accept you and would probably … Read more
One of my primary messages in therapy is that of taking care of yourself, otherwise known as “self-care.” We talk a lot about developing a self-care practice and resourcing tools within yourself to pull on strengths and behaviors when times get tough. This is particularly useful when you are in a major life-transition, experiencing a … Read more
Have you ever noticed that your partners, family members, or friends have the tendency to reflect back aspects of your self? Sometimes those reflections are difficult to see. Many of us tend to focus on what is not working in someone else. What needs to change about them so that we can be happy. This … Read more
Have you ever wondered how you are going to take your life to the next level? Asked yourself why some people seem to “have it all” and others just stay stuck? It takes reflection, work, dedication, and commitment, but once you get clear, the doors will open and you will find yourself floating easily downstream … Read more
During this season, many of you travel or make time to visit with family and friends and frequently spend extended periods of time with your family of origin. This is an exciting, sacred, and emotional time that is also concentrated and can be stressful. I offer an awareness for you to contemplate as you travel, … Read more
Needs, wants, what’s the difference? This is a discussion that occurs frequently in my office. In our culture, we spend a lot of time talking about our needs. Most couples in my office begin the conversation with, “I need my partner to ____,” Or, “I just feel like my needs aren’t being met in this … Read more
Okay, I won’t hold the suspense. The two secrets to a healthy relationship are: 1) tell the truth; and 2) be you. Sounds simple, right? However, this is one of the most common conversations I have in my office each day. Why do we struggle with this so much? Why do we throw ourselves under … Read more
This answer was given to me by one of my teachers when asked about a home meditation practice. “Just sit down and begin,” she said, “the rest will take care of itself.” Pretty Zen, huh? Well, in her infinite wisdom, she is correct. Nothing begins until we start and with meditation we must sit down. … Read more