Marriage Counseling Chicago
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC No matter how long you have been married, newlyweds and old married couples have one thing in common – they should never get too comfortable. The Straw that Breaks the Camel’s Back, Part II: What Are My Risks for Divorce? If you read my previous blog post, this is a continuation of risks for divorce. Isolated studies give us a general picture and idea of how likely your marriage is…
Read MoreBy: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC No matter how long you have been married, newlyweds and old married couples have one thing in common – they should never get too comfortable. The Straw that Breaks the Camel’s Back, Pt. I: What Are My Risks for Divorce? In my practice, I see and work with many couples, and anyone who knows me or works with me knows my fascination with marriage, couples work, and relationships. Turns out that…
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In today’s world, the level of uncertainty seems higher than ever. With the ongoing global pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, an unstable economy and a pivotal upcoming election, it can be hard to focus on the mundane tasks of our everyday lives. Despite the world feeling upside down, we’re still expected to continue working, cultivating healthy lifestyles and engaging with family and friends. A question coming up more and more frequently, both personally and professionally, is “is it possible…
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Steven Topper LCPC When we’re young, we learn how to gain attention. It is the currency of childhood. Vying for the affection and care of our parents, our peers, our teachers, is not only normal, but it’s also necessary. Through this, we learn connection, communication, and compassion. And often this doesn’t stop after high school. We may often see loved ones working really hard to gain the attention of the people in their world, to mixed results.…
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Hannah Hopper, LPC How do you rebuild trust after an affair takes place? Is it even possible? Is it right to stay in a relationship after there’s been an affair? There are so many questions in the wake of unfaithfulness, and not all of the answers will come at once. But one thing is for sure; if both partners decide to stay in the relationship, rebuilding trust and learning to love again is a very slow process.…
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Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC When it comes to politics, friends, relatives and strangers are consistently shouting at each other as opposed to engaging in discussions. Emotionally charged exchanges seem to be more of the norm these days “in venues ranging from local governments to national ruling bodies across the world.” Sometimes you may be reminded of a struggling marriage when you witness these shout-fests. Couples therapists would agree and utilize many interventions that have scientifically proven…
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Kyle Lawell, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) It’s safe to say that nearly all couples have arguments at some point in their relationship. We may argue about whose in-laws we’re going to see for the holidays, who took out the garbage last week, or what color we should paint the kitchen. In the best-case scenario, these arguments are resolved in an adaptive, healthy, and respectful manner between the two partners. Other times, however, these arguments are filled with…
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Kyle Lawell, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Relationships, even the best ones, can be difficult. We often make sacrifices in our lives to make our partners happy. We might change our work schedule so we can pick up the kids after school or agree to take on more responsibility with the newborn so that our spouse can go back to work. In these times of need, it is crucial that people within a relationship remember that they are…
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Matthew Cuddeback, LCSW There are many things that couples can do together to strengthen their relationship, but one I often recommend and have found to be highly helpful is cooking together. Cooking together can help bring people closer together and help them better understand and appreciate each other. Below are a few reasons why it is worth a try: Teamwork: One of the key reasons cooking together can be so useful is because you are working together.…
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John and Julie Gottman, known somewhat as the leaders in the couples’ therapy world, created a book consisting of eight dates essential for every couple to have. Each date is a different topic consisting of varying questions for both self-exploration and conversation starters. Each topic of conversation is crucial for the continued development of a healthy relationship. Regardless of what stage of a relationship you’re in, whether you’ve been married for 30 years or recently began dating,…
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