INSIGHTS
Subscribe to The Way I See It, a monthly newsletter full of science-backed real talk, actionable insights, and inspiring stories designed to help you live a bolder, happier life.
Explore More of My Work
Scroll down for blog posts or check out other articles I’ve written, podcast and media interviews, and my socials.
Decoding Defensiveness
I have a dear friend who shoots so straight with me I’ll call her Annie Oakley.
A fair amount of the time, Annie calls me out on using my “therapist voice,” saying “just be my friend.” This time, though, was different.
“I need Dr. Ashley today.”
“What’s going on?” I asked, immediately concerned.
As she filled me in on some unsettling relationship friction, I could immediately see where things went awry.
They had both noticed a little distance lately. He named it first, and she responded with (what she thought was) agreement and encouragement.
Instead, he heard criticism. He heard, “It’s your fault.”
Are you ready to start living a bold life?
Get science-backed real-talk delivered straight to your inbox.
When you sign up, you’ll get a free chapter from The Way I See It: A Psychologist’s Guide to a Happier Life.
Every month, you’ll also receive powerful insights, practical psychology, and actionable tools to help you master your mind, break through limits, and live a bolder, happier life.
*Be sure to check your spam folder and save me to your contacts so you never miss a message.