I’ve always been fascinated by people and their relationships. This is why, upon completing my undergraduate studies, I went on to get a Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. I have gained a wealth of both theoretical and practical grounding in transactional analysis and a great insight into human nature working with clients in my private practice. Post-graduate studies have further deepened my understanding of the individual, human emotions, and relationship dynamics. After closing my private practice, I am now devoted to writing books full-time.
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I like to observe people in their intimate moments and make them up from scratch to live in my stories. I am often amazed by how different we all are, and how we connect with one another. We relate mostly through context: similar interests, through collaboration at work, gathering at parties, or simply by sharing a common past. In our adult lives, the busyness of everyday life doesn’t allow us to get to truly know somebody new who isn’t already part of our household.
This is what intrigues me and fires my imagination. Who are all these individuals? What are their stories? I try to discover the clues and write about it. If by chance, my readers recognize themselves in one of my characters, they might also discover something about themselves that they hadn’t noticed before… And thus, I would joyfully fulfill my purpose.
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We reveal ourselves to those around us in different ways every day. Everything we say or don’t say, and do or don’t do, reveals a part of the truth of who we are. Every individual experiences intimacy somewhat differently, and for each one this experience is shaped to a considerable extent by key experiences in earlier relationships: first with their parents or caregivers in early childhood, and subsequently with friends, neighbors, and partners.
Intimacy can be experienced even when we’re alone, in moments when we feel at peace, relaxed, and in equilibrium... Real intimacy typically begins with two people knowing one another for a significant amount of time and then eventually making the transition to a long-term relationship. In lasting relationships, we are called upon to strike a balance between our individuality and our connectedness, without being deprived of either. And thus, our capacity for intimacy is put to the test.
Helen Greenwald, author