I was working with Wendy and her husband on issues in their marriage when Wendy talked about what she needed from her marriage, “Peace, love,...
25.062024June 24, 2024
Being Seen & Heard
While marriage counseling with Todd and Deb initially focused on Deb’s infidelity, they gradually widened the lens to work on their marriage. Deb spoke of...
12.062024April 25, 2024
Neutrality
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Couples Counseling, Neutrality
If a couple is seeking counseling, one essential quality to look for in a couple’s therapist is neutrality. That is, neither partner feels that the...
05.062024April 25, 2024
Best Thing We’ve Ever Done
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Mental Abuse, Negativity, Resentment, Sarcasm, Withdrawal
Andrea and Mark have been married for four decades and report their relationship was sometimes “horrible.” Andrea resented being emotionally treated like a punching bag....
29.052024April 25, 2024
Master Healthy Communication
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Couples Counseling, Dismissive, Emotional Support
Rachel is looking for emotional support from her sometimes dismissive husband, Rob. Rob tended to say, “You’re fine,” when she shared something emotionally upsetting. She...
22.052024April 25, 2024
Parenting Policy
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Credibility, Parenting, Undermining, Unity
It’s important for couples with children to present a united front. However, how does this get reconciled when parents have different parenting approaches? The key...
15.052024April 25, 2024
Parenting Techniques
Research shows that yelling is not an effective parenting approach. Two parenting techniques that can minimize yelling are whispering and hovering. Parents tend to yell...
08.052024April 25, 2024
Scorecards
Tasks in a relationship don’t have to be equal; they just need to be fair. Scorecards are used when a couple tries to prove they...
01.052024April 25, 2024
Needs & Impact
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage CounselingTags Assumptions, Communication, Expectations, Needs
Erin and Jeff had two young children and were frequently in conflict. Now a stay-at-home mother, Erin expected Jeff to know what she needed. For...
25.042024April 25, 2024
Have the Conversation
Last night, I watched a movie, Hope Gap, about a husband who had withdrawn from his wife.Her constant criticism of him led him to retreat....