Communication, balance, tolerance, resiliency and focus.

Repairing or rebuilding after a rupture in a relationship or family can be an overwhelming and emotionally draining concept, as it is often filled with vulnerable uncertainties and directional unsteadiness. 

Much of the work of repair is focused on building a new foundation, or strengthening an old one. What is lost when repeated hurtful cycles of communication and relating become the norm in relationships is the focus and attention on the connection between partners. A sort of tunnel-vision occurs when conflict is at the center of the family, and this conflict becomes the lens for all communication, validation, and understanding of love, self and each other.

Returning the focus on to the foundation of the relationship and family and redirecting energy into understanding balance, tolerance and resiliency of each family member - and ourselves - creates the strongest opportunity for growth and healing. 

Redefining communication styles is a way to learn about each others' needs, wants, expectations and priorities, and can provide a blueprint to restructuring the relational foundation needed to support a healthy family.

Remember though, not all families look the same. 

Repair for some may actually take the shape of learning to co-parent across two households. It may mean exploring healthy ways of separation or closure of a previous relationship. Or it may mean looking at ways to start again, heal oneself, and develop a way of entering into new relationships.

Through learning, practicing, understanding and vulnerability, each individual can begin to restore their place in a secure foundation of a partnership, relationship, and family.