"How Can I Forgive You?": Overcoming Common Obstacles to Forgiveness
Conflict happens in every relationship.It might be a small frustration, such as leaving dirty dishes in the sink. It could also be something much deeper, like a broken promise or an affair. These moments test patience and trust. When it comes to overcoming common obstacles to forgiveness, couples often struggle to move past anger and…
Read MoreSay “I’m Sorry”: The Importance of Apologizing in Relationships
Apologies and forgiveness are pivotal aspects of intimate relationships. Saying “I’m sorry” is not about admitting who is right or who is wrong but about acknowledging when a wrong is perceived and empathizing with feeling hurt. Efforts to apologize signify a desire to put your partner and your relationship ahead of yourself. Without an apology,…
Read MoreOpposites Attract, but Do They Last? How to Negotiate Key Differences in Your Relationship
Perhaps you’re a healthy eater and you’re in love with someone who orders extra sausage and pepperoni on his pizza. Or maybe you’re a neat freak who can’t stand it when your guy leaves piles of his stuff all over the house. What seems like no big deal at the beginning of a relationship can…
Read MoreRelationship Risks You Should Be Taking
Being in an intimate relationship requires taking risks. There is no way around it – in order for your partner to know who you really are, you must be vulnerable. You have to reveal your soft spots, your weaknesses, and your authentic self in order to create a deep connection with your partner. Of course,…
Read MoreWhich Soulmate are You Looking For?
Romantic stories often promise a single perfect match, yet real relationships unfold in more layered ways. When clients ask, “What is a soulmate?”, they are often asking for something more than a definition. Beneath the question is a desire for reassurance. They want to understand if lasting love is something destined and effortless, rooted in…
Read MoreCouple Therapy before Saying “I do”: Common Questions about Premarital Counseling
When someone tells you that he or she is receiving counseling, you may naturally feel inclined to ask, “What’s wrong?” However, therapy is not only for managing problems that currently exist but a way to prevent problems from occurring and maintain progress. One form of therapy that is frequently misunderstood is premarital counseling. Why is…
Read MoreA Therapist’s Guide to Writing Your Wedding Vows
For many couples, writing wedding vows can feel like a daunting task. What do you want to say to a crowd of loved ones about your future spouse? How do you capture it all? While there is certainly no “right” or “wrong” way to approach writing and reciting wedding vows, it might behoove brides and…
Read MoreThe Successful Blended Family
Three (or Four) questions for Anne Brennan Malec about Remarriage Okay, I am not anywhere near the stage of remarriage, let alone re-falling madly in love. Nor are most of us, at least in the immediate aftermath of divorce. But it hovers out there—the aspiration to meet someone new, recommit, perhaps remarry. We’ve all heard…
Read MoreSomething’s Gotta Give: Managing Anger in Your Relationship
All relationships experience some level of conflict, and what often comes with conflict is anger. At its core, anger is a secondary emotion, meaning it is a reaction to a primary emotional response. Common primary emotions that trigger anger are hurt, fear, pain, or rejection. Anger can develop as an automatic response to these perceived…
Read MoreA Workaholic’s Guide to Simple Self Care
Self care means intentionally prioritizing your own basic needs for health, relaxation, stress reduction, and the pursuit of personal interests. While this term may connote shirking responsibilities so that you can spend a day at the spa, it simply means being aware that without recharging your own batteries, you will burn out or perhaps suffer…
Read More