Kevin said, “I’m not sure this is the right relationship for me.” Patty found this statement extremely distressing. Kevin and Patty disconnected from one another,...
08.092015October 7, 2015
Goose Bumps
Judy is the wife of a couple with whom I’ve been working. When I asked her what she wanted to accomplish in couples therapy, her...
01.092015October 7, 2015
A Sad Announcement
Karen announced in our first session that she didn’t want to continue the relationship with her husband, Rob. Although she reported that she still liked...
25.082015October 7, 2015
Get Over It
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage CounselingTags Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Support, Listening
Carol was frustrated at work. She worked for a company for eight years, and there was a particular position for which she was aspiring. She...
18.082015October 7, 2015
A Bad Day At The Office
One of the most unpleasant experiences in couples counseling, although uncommon, is when an individual uses the session to announce that he or she wants...
11.082015October 7, 2015
What Do I Need To Do To Fix It?
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Relationship CounselingTags Betrayal, Emotional Support, Listening, Resentment
When Sherri and Ed met, Ed was involved in another relationship. As Ed and Sherri got closer, Ed told Sherri that he ended his former...
04.082015October 7, 2015
This Isn’t the Jerry Springer Show
In my first session with Pete and Diane I asked about previous couples counseling experiences. I like to learn what worked previously and what wasn’t...
28.072015August 18, 2015
Respect and Appreciation
Will and Sharon were fighting in the car. Will was willing to take over a project that Sharon was struggling with, but Sharon wasn’t ready...
21.072015August 18, 2015
I Never Met Anyone Like You
I was having another difficult session with Cheryl and John. Their issues were complex and difficulties longstanding. Then John shockingly said, “I never met anyone...
14.072015August 18, 2015
Feedback Loops
One goal in couples counseling is to have respectful conversations about relationship issues that need to be addressed. If a couple escalates with each other,...