Rachel and Jake had been married for decades and began couples therapy when Rachel thought about leaving. Jake didn’t treat her well, and she was...
07.012025November 13, 2024
Gnawing
Sometimes, couples are unsure when to bring up an issue and when to let it go. A good guideline is to consider talking about something...
17.122024November 13, 2024
Shoulds Are Coulds
Shoulds are problematic in couples counseling. When someone thinks their partner should do or say something, it imposes an expectation on the partner. Shoulds have...
10.122024November 13, 2024
They Can’t Change
I started couples therapy with David and Elyse, and Elyse didn’t know if she wanted to continue the marriage. She found David controlling and said...
03.122024November 13, 2024
Rewiring Your Relationship
Chris and Angela started couples counseling in a very unhappy state. Chris was dealing with depression, and Angela judged his lack of involvement. Negative interactions...
19.112024November 4, 2024
The Form of Language
Cam and Laurie came to couples counseling, unclear if their marriage could survive. Now, they are having mostly respectful conversations and improving their support of...
12.112024November 4, 2024
Defaulting
In a couples counseling session, Kerri talked about scrolling on her phone because Daniel was watching TV. Daniel talked about watching TV because Kerri was...
05.112024November 4, 2024
You Seem Off
Leah and Robert were on a road trip when Robert started slowing down on the highway, and Leah said, “What’s wrong with you?” Robert heard...
29.102024September 12, 2024
Resolve Doesn’t Mean You Agree
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Communication, Conflict, Finances, Right, Wrong
Claire was upset at Andy for moving money from one account to another without telling her. He said he thought he had told her, but...
22.102024September 12, 2024
Muscle Memory
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Communication, Language, Muscle Memory
In my couples counseling sessions, we focus a lot on language. Couples’ ability to work through issues depends on their communication skills. Couples counseling aims...