The CORE of a Good Apology: Relationship Repair 101
Every relationship is a dance. Partners are circling one another in close proximity both physically and emotionally. This cadence and closeness create the foundation for true intimacy as well as unlimited opportunities to strain it. When two people dance together long enough it is inevitable that they will step on each other’s toes or fall […]
Effective Communication Strategies for Couples: A Therapist’s Guide
Struggling with communication is the most common reason given by couples when they seek marriage counseling. “We just can’t communicate anymore,” “It all comes down to poor communication,” and “We suck at communicating,” are common refrains from couples. While there is typically more to the story for these couples, communication is like the password to […]
The Key Habits of Strong Couples: Relationships That Survive and Thrive
Love is a beautiful thing. When experienced it is both indescribable and undeniable. It is all-consuming and intoxicating. Yet, love without a landing spot amounts to little more than heavy hearts and sad songs. It is only through relationships that love finds a home and comes to life. However, relationships don’t exist to simply celebrate […]
Gaslighting in Relationships: Overcoming Denial and Doubt
Have you ever asked yourself, “Is my partner gaslighting me?” If so, you are not alone. Any therapist will tell you that the over/under for the number of times a day that the word “gaslighting” comes up during sessions is right around double digits. In other words, we hear it a lot. However, the word’s […]
10 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage in Retirement
Marriage Tips For Retired Couples A marriage that lasts until retirement is an accomplishment in and of itself. The overall divorce rate is nearly 50% and “grey divorce,” or those splitting after age 50, is becoming increasingly common. Riding off into the sunset together is simply no foregone conclusion. Yet, most marriages that have stood […]
8 Tips for Couples to Overcome Holiday Stress Together
The unmistakable chill in the air, smell of hot cocoa, and sight of Cousin Eddie in his bathrobe emptying a chemical toilet into the sewer. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation playing in the background for the 400th time can mean only one thing. The holidays have officially arrived. The holidays are a special time of year filled […]
Stonewalling: A Short-Circuit in Your Crucial Conversations
Have you noticed that difficult conversations with your partner seem to follow the same pattern? As soon as the tension rises even a little bit, they get really quiet or totally silent. Like clockwork, it’s as if sticking points turn to stop signs. As infuriating as this is, there is a likely reason your partner […]
How to Talk to Your Partner About Couples Counseling
Difficult Conversations That Lead to Easier Relationships One of the greatest challenges to couples counseling can occur before you officially start- getting both partners to agree. While you may be pleasantly surprised, it is common to have some apprehension from at least one partner. Which leads to the frequently asked question, “How do I talk […]
Do You and Your Spouse Need Marriage Counseling?
Finding Answers and Results with Marriage Counseling If you are wondering whether you need marriage counseling, start by asking yourself if any of the following sounds familiar… “We can’t communicate” “Everything turns into a fight” “It feels like we’re just roommates” “We’re walking on eggshells all the time” “We hardly talk” “There’s no intimacy anymore” […]
