If we were to only get our ideas about intimate relationships from social media, scripted shows and movies, we’d believe our partner should… be our best friend; be our erotic partner; support us in pursuit of our goals; be our romantic partner; be a good financial provider; participate in household responsibilities like cooking and cleaning; […]
Are Our Relationship Expectations Too High? Read More »
How do you align with your partner when your lives are very busy with kids, careers, a household, maybe aging parents or medical issues? Do you need a formal date night or weekend away together to do so? And how could you possibly fit that in with the kids’ activities or sports or family events?
But There’s Not Enough TIME To Connect As A Couple! Read More »
Great news! Every relationship reaches a difficult stage after the early romance ends. Just think about country songs – countless songs have been written about BOTH the romantic stage and the conflict stage. It’s unavoidable AND couples therapists consider it a given, even in strong, healthy marriages. Why? First, it’s normal because the two of
Can conflict be a sign of a HEALTHY relationship? Read More »
Often in session, we hear couples say, “We had a huge argument but can’t even remember what started it.” They’ll let us know it was a big blowout but can’t recall the beginning. As a couple’s therapist (and spouse for 25 years), I know why this is: you didn’t stick to the topic that started
Why Couples Can’t Remember What Started An Argument Read More »
The characteristics that we notice the most in others (both positive and negative) are often traits that we have ourselves. It’s startling to consider that a negative trait in someone (which often elicits a strong response in us) is a trait we have as well. Thus access a reflection of ourselves through a relationship with
How relationships act as mirrors Read More »
Have you ever had one of those conversations where your partner says something minor that leaves you enraged or bursting into tears? What do you do when your partner triggers intense emotions in you? The first response in most of us is to want our partner to stop it. We want our partner to change
My Partner Makes Me Want to Scream: A 3-Step Response to Triggering Situations Read More »
by Lauren Roberts, Practicum Student-Therapist under the Supervision of Meredith Keller LPC, ACS Talking has changed drastically in recent years: for many, the majority of ‘conversations’ are held through technology. These advances, however, can also have their faults. Have you ever felt like you were speaking to someone and it was like talking to a
How to Talk In-Person: 4 Tools for Clear, Effective Communication Read More »
When you’re upset, do you tend to pull yourself inside or express yourself outwardly? Do you clam up? This is the Avoider Style of reacting. Do you persist in talking about the issue? This is the Pursuer Style of reacting. Which is your ‘go to’ reaction? And, could your reactions be making things worse? What
Will My Avoider or Pursuer Reaction Style Help Me Get My Needs Met? Read More »
Does the love/caring seem to be missing from your relationship? Do you suspect that you both still love each other even though you don’t show it? Many couples still have love between them even though it may not be apparent on a daily basis. In so many relationships, the love is buried under layers and
Receiving Love From Your Partner: It May Be Closer Than You Think Read More »
During difficult times, it’s easy to lose sight of the positive aspects of our lives and focus solely on what’s going wrong. This can be because what’s going wrong is right in our face, demanding our attention. There is, however, a great deal to be gained from paying attention to what is good in our
Being Thankful: How It Creates Happiness Read More »
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