Blog Archives
What does a strong, healthy relationship look like? For many of us, the fantasy is that a strong relationship means that there is absolutely no conflict; that the partners agree with and are satisfied about every part of the other person. In reality, of course, conflict between partners is a normal and inevitable component of a healthy relationship. Never discussing the issues in your relationship can actually serve to intensify your problems rather than make them go…
Read MoreDo you ever experience troubling thoughts? Ever feel a sense of panic or anxiety? Do you ever have a feeling of worthlessness or other depressive thoughts? Do these thoughts feel as though they are the absolute truth? Do those thoughts lead to self-destructive behaviors? With the help of a therapist using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) you can challenge those beliefs. While working with a therapist utilizing CBT you will examine the relationships between your thoughts, feelings, and…
Read MoreAre you listening? A frequent common denominator among my clients is partners being surprised by the depth of the other’s unhappiness. I often here the following exchange from clients: “Why didn’t you tell me how unhappy you were”? “I did, I told you repeatedly, and also suggested that we go to couples counseling”. A partner’s request to go to couples counseling should be seen and heard as a warning sign, an emergency about the health of the…
Read MoreDo you feel sad, unhappy, and unusually irritated or frustrated? Are you having difficulty sleeping or feel fatigued during the day? Are you having trouble concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions? Have you lost interest in aspects of your life that typically excite you and bring you pleasure? We all have bad days, but when these kinds of problems persist for weeks on end and interfere with daily life, they may be signs of depression. For some,…
Read MoreAs the demand for large extravagant weddings rise so does their cost. In 2012 TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com Real Wedding Study concluded that the average wedding budget is $28,427. Having a dream wedding may be every girl’s fantasy but what about having a stable and fulfilling marriage? People are willing to spend their entire savings and months or years planning for the perfect wedding but what are they willing to do for a solid marriage? Premarital counseling has been shown to reduce…
Read MoreIf your partner….. Mentions that they never see you anymore Tries to engage you in conversation more frequently than normal Suggests a weekend getaway Tells you they feel like you never talk anymore Plans new and adventurous activities for the two of you Complains that you are “always” working, reading, or on your computer …..They may be feeling emotionally disconnected. Don’t miss the signals. Most relationships have their inherent challenges. We all bring different expectations, values, perspectives,…
Read MoreThis week Symmetry Counseling will be celebrating its 2nd anniversary. What began as a group of 6 offices has grown to include 13 offices. We are very excited to announce that we plan to expand an additional 5 offices this September. The past two years have been a wonderful journey and we are joyfully anticipating the journey ahead.
Read MoreFor many couples, the decision to seek couples counseling is a tough one. Too often one spouse is resistant to bring their problems to a professional. Sometimes, if the marriage is highly strained and conflict-ridden a sense of hopelessness and resentment can run deep, causing partners to feel as though nothing or no one will be able to help them. If a couple is experiencing any of these thoughts or feelings, the time is right to seek…
Read MoreOur relationships call for a variety of skills to stay connected and on track with our partners. I believe that one aspect of a healthy relationship requires that we also be good roommates for our partners. What does it require to be a good roommate to our romantic partners? One important skill is to develop solid communication skills. While communication is a very broad topic, more specifically what I mean is the need to set aside time…
Read MoreCongratulations to Symmetry Counseling’s own Managing Partner, Dr. Anne Malec. Dr. Malec has been invited to join the Alumni Advisory Board of The Family Institute of Northwestern University. The Alumni Association strives to foster lifelong relationships between The Family Institute and its alumni. The Association promotes a spirit of loyalty and fraternity among graduates, students, and friends, while encouraging alumni to maintain involvement in activities of The Institute and to support The Institute’s work through financial and…
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