When I asked Kevin and Doreen, a couple in their sixties, what a fight looked like if I were to observe it, Doreen said, “We...
03.122025November 6, 2025
19.112025November 6, 2025
Use Statements
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Individual Relationship Coaching, Marriage CounselingTags Mistreatment, Statements
When discussing relationship issues, it’s more effective to use statements than questions. Statements declare what an individual’s thoughts and feelings are on a particular topic,...
12.112025November 6, 2025
Express, Instead of Persuade
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Individual Relationship Coaching, Marriage CounselingTags Debate, Persuasion
It’s important to express oneself rather than persuade your partner to your point of view. Persuasion is more like a debate, in which an individual...
06.112025November 6, 2025
Coaching Success
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Individual Relationship Coaching, Marriage CounselingTags Coaching, Communication, Feedback
Virtually all professional athletes have coaches, whether in team or individual sports. Why can’t couples have the same? They can. Ultimately, a competent couples therapist...
29.102025September 10, 2025
Weaponize
If an individual threatens to end or leave a relationship, this often occurs in the heat of the moment, during an escalation. The threat destabilizes...
22.102025September 10, 2025
You’re Speaking Loudly
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Individual Relationship Coaching, Marriage CounselingTags Skilled Comments, Volume
Volume can be an issue in relationships. If someone is speaking softly, you might lean in to the conversation. If someone is speaking loudly, you...
15.102025September 10, 2025
Hard Conversations
Successful couples can have hard conversations. These are the discussions that couples need to have to address issues and improve their relationship. The challenge is...
08.102025September 10, 2025
I F’ed That Up
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Individual Relationship Coaching, Marriage CounselingTags Accountability, Mistakes
I read the latest book by Bill Belichick on leadership success. One of the more important aspects of success is being able to say, “I...
01.102025September 10, 2025
Respond
A recommendation is to respond rather than react. When your partner expresses their thoughts, feelings, or ideas, listen attentively and respond thoughtfully. If you react,...
24.092025September 10, 2025
Different Conversations
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Marriage CounselingTags Attacks, Communication, Divisiveness, Listening, Vulnerability
I watched a movie last night that featured a couple with a lovely relationship. The husband’s son from a previous relationship spent the summer with...