If you don’t like what your partner is saying or how they are saying it, many individuals criticize their partner or tell them what they...
Author archive for: drrein
Peace, Love, and Understanding
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,...
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...
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...
Best Thing We’ve Ever Done
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....
Master Healthy Communication
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...
Parenting Policy
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...
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...
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...
Needs & Impact
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...