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How One Simple Phrase Can Interrupt High-Stress Reactions
I still catch myself folding under pressure in the most ordinary moments. Someone asks a question a little too sharply and my whole body sprints ahead of me, writing five possible replies at once. But one embarrassingly simple phrase has saved me from psyching myself out: "I need some time to think about this." It's the doorway between the part of me that panics and the part of me that chooses.

Masha Rusanov
3 days ago4 min read


New Way for Families® to Move Forward When Old Patterns Keep Pulling You Back
Learning the New Ways for Families method reminded me that conflict rarely explodes; it sneaks into the smallest moments, the tight breath before a text or the old pattern that rushes back before you can name it. The training slowed everything down just enough to notice the instinct to react and to choose something steadier. That tiny pause felt like remembering a part of myself I had forgotten.

Masha Rusanov
Nov 144 min read


Effective Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods Explained
In today’s fast-paced society, conflicts are inevitable. Whether they arise in personal relationships, workplace environments, or legal...

Masha Rusanov
Sep 295 min read


Understanding Your Defense Mechanisms: A Journey to Authentic Communication
Discover why your nervous system can't tell the difference between real and imagined threats, and learn the Exhale-Explore-Engage method to break free from automatic defense patterns.

Masha Rusanov
Sep 276 min read


What It Means to Be Home
I've moved fifteen times in the last twenty years.
Each time, I'd unpack the same boxes, arrange the same furniture, and begin the familiar ritual of making a new place feel like home. But somewhere between addresses seven and eight, I started to realize something: the challenge wasn't just about hanging pictures or finding the perfect spot for my coffee table. It was about something much deeper.
The real work wasn't making my house feel like home. It was finding my way bac

Masha Rusanov
Aug 195 min read


The Blind Spot in Using AI for Decision Making
Using AI for decision making is powerful, but what are its limits? Discover a practical framework for knowing when to rely on data and algorithms, and when your most complex choices require the irreplaceable depth of human wisdom.

Masha Rusanov
Jul 184 min read


Understanding Stress Responses and Igniting Change
Discover how to rewire your brain for smoother conflict resolution by interrupting automatic reactions and choosing conscious responses. Learn how neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, and your nervous system shape how you show up in high-stress moments.

Masha Rusanov
Jun 144 min read


Coaching vs. Therapy: How I Chose My Path
What’s the real difference between coaching and therapy — and how do you know which one is right for you? In this post, I share why I chose coaching over becoming a licensed therapist (even after getting into top LMFT programs), what sets the two approaches apart, and how coaching helps people navigate big life transitions like divorce, co-parenting, and blended families. If you’ve ever wondered where coaching ends and therapy begins, or why this distinction matters, this is

Masha Rusanov
Jun 36 min read


How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs: Spot the Words That Hold You Back
Learn how to overcome limiting beliefs by spotting specific words like "should," "must," and "have to." Challenge these deeply ingrained thought patterns and free yourself from negative self-talk.

Masha Rusanov
May 265 min read


Flip the Script in Conflict: A 4-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Agency
Feel stuck or powerless in conflict situations? Discover 'Flip the Script,' a powerful 4-step practice to help you interrupt autopilot reactions, manage internal and external disagreements, and start reclaiming your agency. Learn to move from reactive patterns to consciously chosen responses, empowering you to act with integrity and self-trust.

Masha Rusanov
May 245 min read


Internal Conflict: The Real Reason Behind Your Relationship Challenges
Ever wondered why small disagreements spiral into major fights? Conflicts with others often mirror internal tensions. Discover how understanding yourself can transform your relationships.

Masha Rusanov
May 214 min read


The High Cost of a Misaligned Life
Is your life truly yours? Explore the hidden costs of misalignment & the path to authentic living.

Masha Rusanov
May 154 min read


When Words Aren’t Enough: Letting Go of Hope of Them Changing
Letting go isn’t giving up—it’s rising up. Stop waiting for change and start trusting what actions are already telling you.

Masha Rusanov
May 72 min read


The Third Option: How to Master Conflict Without Losing Your Cool (or Yourself)
Most of us react to conflict out of impulse or habit—raising our voice, shutting down, or trying to fix things too fast. But there's always a Third Option: a conscious, intentional choice that helps you stay grounded, respond wisely, and change the outcome. In this post, learn how to spot your old patterns, ride the wave of emotion, and choose a new response—one that aligns with the person you want to be.

Masha Rusanov
Apr 114 min read


How AI Can Help You Prepare for a Tough Conversation
Feeling anxious about a tough talk with your partner or co-parent? Here’s how AI can help you prep with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Masha Rusanov
Apr 611 min read


How to Heal Codependency and Let Go of Toxic Attachments Using the Reflect & Reclaim Method
Break free from toxic attachments with the Reflect & Reclaim framework—integrate your disowned parts and build your inner safety net.

Masha Rusanov
Jan 293 min read


About Letting Go: Embracing Change When Relationships End
Letting go after rejection means accepting that the past is over; any future connection will be between two changed individuals.

Masha Rusanov
Jan 243 min read


When Avoidance Becomes a Cycle: The Scary Impact of Mothers' Unhealthy Coping Strategies on Teen Daughters
How moms cope matters. Avoidance can fuel teen depression. Learn how to break the cycle with problem-solving & support. #ParentingTips

Masha Rusanov
Dec 29, 20243 min read


Choosing the Right Path: Methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Explore cost-effective alternative dispute resolution methods for divorce, from DIY to mediation, and avoid unnecessary legal fees.

Masha Rusanov
Dec 22, 20244 min read


Feed Your Demons to Find Inner Peace and Improve Relationships
Discover how feeding your demons can lead to inner peace and improve relationships. Learn the steps to feed your demons effectively today.

Masha Rusanov
Dec 11, 20243 min read
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