Building Safer Relationships By: Darren Lane, Director of Residential Therapy I was raised old-school; don’t cry, never disagree with dad, and don’t laugh at the dinner table. It’s how my step-dad was raised and probably his father before him. If I had an opinion that ran opposite of his, I discovered to keep it to myself. This taught me two things: stuff emotions and thoughts inside, and a model to follow when I became a father. So many times, we become our parents. My first child was a strong-willed girl. I attempted to raise her as my step-dad did me. Quash all disagreeing viewpoints, force my personal beliefs onto her, and use ambivalence (conveys “I don’t care what you do”) with surgical precision. The result was a severe disconnection in my relationship with her…just like me and my dad. So, naturally, I combined these amazing personal and relational skills with a life-long passion that lines-up perfectly. I became a counselor! Click Here to Read Full Article | 