If couples can have healthy conversations, they can resolve most relationship issues. Healthy conversations are respectful and responsive, and healthy relationships require skills. One essential...
NEW BOOK from Dr. Rein:
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Work through recurring disagreements →
21.102026October 21, 2026
Words That Keep Us Together
With the release of my new book, Words That Keep Us Together, I plan to write a five-part blog series on its major principles. This...
14.102026September 24, 2026
Flashpoints
A couple I worked with began discussing challenging issues in their couples counseling. Every time a spouse made a comment likely to ignite an escalation,...
07.102026September 24, 2026
Agendas
In couples counseling, couples primarily talk directly to each other about their most difficult issues. I give them feedback along the way so they can...
17.092026May 4, 2026
Of Course
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Communication, Criticism, Partnership
Tim and Kate were scrambling in the middle of the night when their son vomited in his bed. Kate went to their son’s bedroom to...
10.092026May 4, 2026
OK
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Disconnection, Responses, Silence
Steve was relatively quiet and generally didn’t share a lot. Abby was slightly more verbal but felt disconnected from Steve. Abby shared something in our...
25.062026May 4, 2026
Mountain Out of a Mole Hill
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Communication Skills, Conflict, Dismissiveness
Robert and Joyce were processing a recent conflict in couples counseling. During the argument, Robert told Joyce that she was “making a mountain out of...
18.062026May 4, 2026
The Three H’s
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Connection, Emotional Expression, Support
One of my clients was sharing with me the Three H’s—to be heard, helped, or hugged. I thought this was a nice, succinct way to...
11.062026May 4, 2026
Thirty Second Pause
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Anger, Behavior Change, Emotional Restraint
The primary issue for one of my couples was the husband’s lack of emotional restraint. Despite making progress, the husband continued to have explosive episodes...
04.062026May 4, 2026
Advanced Lessons
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Communication Skills, Practice, Setbacks
A couple I saw years ago returned to couples counseling. They had made tremendous progress, but wanted to address the occasional skirmishes that arose. The...