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,...
Archive for category: Couples Therapy
Get Over It
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...
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...
What Do I Need To Do To Fix It?
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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 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...