When a couple has a partner who struggles with alcohol use, many spouses tend to attack the struggling partner. When the struggling spouse feels attacked,...
23.092020September 9, 2020
Culture Wars
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Anger, Cultures, Tone
When working with couples from different cultures, it is important to be sensitive to their cultural expectations of a relationship, but also help them to...
16.092020September 9, 2020
Confronting Faults
Sharon and Bob were feeling distressed about moving. When Sharon vented her stress, Bob thought her irritation was being directed toward him. Bob turned toward...
09.092020September 9, 2020
Essential Conversations
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Communication, Conflict, Couples Counseling, Escalation
Successful couples know how to discuss issues without escalating. If they do escalate, they may be able to repair conflict as it’s occurring. If not,...
01.072020September 9, 2020
Amend the Agreement
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Agreements, Communication, Priorities
Over the weekend, Jessica agreed that she would call the contractor on Monday. When Tony asked about it on Tuesday, he was upset that she...
24.062020September 9, 2020
From My Couch to Yours
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Escalation, telehealth, virtual counseling
During the pandemic, a number of couples doubted the efficacy of telehealth. Some couples who I saw pre-pandemic chose not to continue until we could...
17.062020September 9, 2020
Chalk Portraits
Now that Ed was working from home, Denise asked him to help out with the kids for an hour a day. This would give her...
10.062020September 9, 2020
Emotional Restraint
Emotional intelligence consists of four components: Awareness of self Awareness of others Awareness of relationship dynamics Emotional restraint Couples counseling focuses a lot on couples...
28.052020September 9, 2020
Reaching Out
Keri had just lost her job and Adam was concerned. Keri had a history of depression and he thought this event would reignite her depression....
21.052020September 9, 2020
Correcting Misperceptions
Brandon and Gayle were talking about their weekly struggles in couples counseling when Gayle said, “You think you’re better than me.” Brandon was surprised and...