I watched my niece radiate as she and her husband-to-be were making their wedding vows. The groom talked about noticing my niece from the moment...
Looping
Escalation is the primary reason for relationship distress. It occurs when individuals attack their partner and partners attack back. However, there’s another process that’s problematic...
I Want a Divorce
In our couples counseling session, Jackie complained that during a fight, Will threatened to leave the relationship. Threats can occur when a couple escalates. Threats...
How Affairs Begin
Julie and Dave came to me after Julie’s affair was discovered. Individuals who have affairs are not typically looking for an affair partner. The relationship...
Don’t Call Me Names
Tim complained that Beth thought he was lazy. Anne complained that Doug inferred she was stupid. Nick didn’t like being called an a** hole. Keri...
Constructive Criticism
There is no such thing as constructive criticism. In relationships criticism is actually destructive. If one is critical in a relationship, the individual is putting...
Choose Well
Problems are inevitable in relationships. The problems individuals deal with in their relationship depend on who they marry or commit to. Partners have unique personalities,...
The Circuit Breaker
When couples begin couples counseling, I encourage them to address the most difficult issues in the counseling sessions. As couples progress, the issues become more...
She Makes Me a Better Person
Kate has an issue with Marc’s drinking. Marc’s a golfer and likes to drink with his buddies after golfing. Kate thinks his drinking is excessive—changing...
On The Defense
Gary wanted Emily to take off the Friday before a Monday holiday. Since it was difficult for Emily to do so, she took off Tuesday...