Christmastime is (Almost) Here: Navigating the Holidays in Your Relationship
We are entering that time of year where couples start to make plans for how they will spend the holidays, and this can spark conflict between partners. Depending on the length of the relationship, emotional ties to the holidays, and location of family, partners can find themselves with vastly different expectations and desires for how…
Read MoreKnow Yourself First: The Importance of Self-Awareness in Relationships
A significant part of couple therapy involves improving self-awareness. Because you cannot fix a problem until you are aware of its source, it is important to understand what drives you so you can better control your subconscious impulses. For example, people develop survival strategies during interpersonal conflict in an effort to protect oneself from a…
Read MoreNavigating the Normal Power Struggle in Relationships
The early stages of romance often feel effortless, exciting, and deeply affirming. Over time, relationship dynamics begin to surface as daily life sets in and expectations take shape. Power struggles in relationships often emerge during this transition, sometimes quietly and sometimes through conflict. These moments reflect a natural process of two people learning how to…
Read More"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…
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