“Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love” by Dr. Sue Johnson is a must-read. Dr. Johnson is a masterful therapist and her approach to couples therapy is the real deal. Her message is simple but super powerful – that we’re emotionally attached and dependent on our partners in the same way a child depends on a parent for love, comfort, and protection.
The book guides you through seven conversations, each one focusing on a key moment in a relationship, including recognizing the demon dialogues, finding the raw spots, revisiting a rocky moment, and forgiving injuries. They give you insight into the defining moments in your relationship and help you reshape them to create a secure and lasting bond.
Dr. Johnson includes stories from her own practice, practical exercises and helpful advice throughout the book. It’s a valuable tool for anyone looking to strengthen and deepen their relationships. As someone who likes to use nature and tree metaphors to help clients understand the importance of nurturing and tending to their inner selves, I found that this book aligns with my own practice, Mending Roots Healing Spaces. It’s a great read, I highly recommend it.