Affairs can destroy marriages. Marriages can sometimes endure one affair, assuming the affair is dealt with effectively, but marriages rarely survive more than one affair....
Relationship Resources Blog
Each day my life is enriched by listening to and guiding couples as they bring their raw experiences to sessions and we try to make sense of difficult times. Through these blog posts, I hope to give readers a snapshot of our work including examples of the real issues that people bring, and how we can find meaning and a path out together. Their identities are protected, but each experience is real. Because relationships are complex, my role is to help couples share their experiences while providing a conceptual road map to understand their experiences, finding a way out of the woods of painful experiences. This blog shares stories and concepts; I hope it provides hope, insight and richness to each reader’s own journey.
Bulldozing and Stonewalling
April wants to adopt a child and Dan is reluctant. April was bulldozing—pushing her position — and Dan was stonewalling—digging in and shutting down. The...
The Dinner Plate
Tom works long hours. When he gets home late at night, he’s exhausted, as is his wife Alicia. Alicia is managing their four kids— transporting...
The Face Cloth
Tom was talking about something that was important to him and Ally asked about a face cloth. Tom was offended that she interrupted him. They...
The Gift
Ally wondered what birthday presents to buy for Billy, her partner Tom’s son, whose ten year old birthday was in a few months. She often...
Let Your Hair Down
Tom and Ally were having a great time at a club when Tom was about to take a picture of them to capture the night....
This is What I Think
People don’t like to be told what to do. In relationships, partners don’t like to be told what to do. If a partner asks for...
Just to Hear Your Voice
Cindy is a collegiate coach. She works long hours, especially in season. She enjoys working with student athletes, motivating them to achieve. Her husband Ron...
The Move
Ross and Debbie moved from out West and were deciding whether to return. Ross said, “I told you I appreciated you moving out here.” Because...
It’s Not a Big Deal
“It’s not a big deal.” This is not an uncommon statement in couples therapy (more frequently expressed by men), however the statement is a big...
The Showerhead
Tom and Alicia were rehabbing a bathroom and needed to decide on the fixtures. Alicia shared the plumber’s suggestion of showerheads and Tom researched the...
The Wanderer
Matt recently retired; but began leaving the house, saying he was checking his Post Office box, but not returning for hours. Lisa wasn’t sure where...