San Diego, California - Clinical psychologist Joanne J. Wendt is on a mission to help men and women build better relationships with each other. Through her practice, she educates men and women on ways to improve their interactions. In preparation for the New Year she is releasing tips to help, starting with new recommendations targeting women.
“Men are seen as being more muscular and physically powerful than women. But women are also powerful in different ways. One of those ways is seen in a woman’s ability to express herself verbally,” says Dr. Wendt. She believes that when women inadvertently sabotage their communication with men the problem often comes down to not what a woman says but how she says it.
Dr. Wendt advises couples to forget about the notion that words can’t hurt. She says there is ample evidence that words can hurt people and even kill a relationship. In fact, Dr. Wendt says one of the most harmful things a woman can do to a man involves shaming. “Relationships today can be very rewarding and very frustrating. Knowing what to say and how say it can have a profound effect on the quality of one’s relationship,” says Dr. Wendt.
“For men, the worst thing a woman can do is say or do things that make men feel shamed by inadvertently attacking their intellect or their ability to provide and protect,” says Dr. Wendt. Here is a short checklist of the ways she believes women may unintentionally shame the men they love:
- Excluding him from important decisions
- Ignoring his needs or placing the needs of others above his
- Implying inadequacy
- Denying him the opportunity to help
- Questioning his judgment
- Withholding praise
Through her practice, Dr. Wendt has seen that some women underestimate how much men in relationships want to please their women in various ways. “Too many women don’t see how important it is to a man to please his partner. But most men in relationships live for the opportunity to do so,” says Dr. Wendt.
Although these recommendations target women, Dr. Wendt will also release a list of recommendations for men who want to improve their relationships as well. Further resources for healthly relationship development can found on Dr. Wendt’s website.
About Joanne J. Wendt, Ph.D.: Dr. Wendt is a Clinical Psychologist who for 28 years has been helping individuals, couples, and families find peace and harmony in a respectful and caring atmosphere. She specializes in relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Wendt’s goal is to help her clients discover the strength within them to achieve their highest possible potential. Her approach to the therapeutic setting is one of optimism and great respect for an individual’s readiness to meet difficult challenges and gain a greater understanding of who he/she aspires to be. To find out more, visit http://drjoannewendt.com.
