Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and reconnection

Rekindle intimacy and closeness in your relationship

In this blog post, our couples therapist Natalie Bergman shares five tips to reignite your relationship’s spark, based on Emotionally Focused Therapy principles.

Meet the author

Headshot of Natalie Bergman, Registered Psychologist and Certified Play Therapist

Natalie Bergman, DCP, RPsych
COUPLES THERAPIST

Meet the editor

Ana Hoepfner

Ana Hoepfner, BEc
COMMUNICATIONS

5 Tips to spark reconnection in your relationship this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and connection—a perfect opportunity for couples to strengthen their bond using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) principles. EFT emphasizes the importance of the emotional connection between partners.

1. Express gratitude.

Start by openly expressing appreciation for each other. Sharing what you’re grateful for in your partner can enhance emotional intimacy and create a positive atmosphere.

2. Embrace vulnerability.

Thanksgiving can be an ideal time to practice vulnerability. Use this day to talk about your feelings, hopes, and concerns. EFT encourages couples to be open about their emotions, which can lead to a deeper understanding and connection (Johnson, 2019).

Vulnerability takes courage. Listen with openness to your partner when they open up and show their feelings with their courageous vulnerability. Listen to your partner and be present in your conversations with courage, non-judgemental curiosity, and compassion for each of you.

3. Strengthen emotional bonds.

Thanksgiving time is often busy, but it’s important to carve out time for each other. Whether it’s cooking a meal together, taking a walk, or simply sitting down to talk, these moments can help us see, feel, and hear each other.

4. Navigate conflicts with compassion.

Family gatherings can sometimes bring up old tensions — and by “sometimes”, for some families, we acknowledge that this can mean “most of the time”.
Conflicts big and small are inevitable in every relationship, but how we handle them makes all the difference. Emotionally Focused Therapy teaches couples to approach conflicts with compassion and empathy. Instead of reacting with anger, try to understand the underlying emotions and address them together (Johnson, 2019).

5. Reflect on shared dreams.

Use this cozy time to reflect on your shared dreams as a couple. Openly discussing what you both want for the future can bring you closer and remind you of your journey together.

You’ve come a long way, and with the help of couples counselling a new, closer, stronger, more connected chapter in your relationship can begin. That is something for which to be warmly thankful.

Reference

Johnson, S. M. (2019). Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families. Guilford Press.

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you’re interested in exploring how Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy can support your relationship,
consider scheduling a couples counselling session.

We are grateful for you and your partner’s commitment and dedication to building a stronger, more connected relationship.
You are bringing more love to the world.

Book a couples counselling appointment