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...
Archive for category: Couples Therapy
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...
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....
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 Wedding Hotel
Mark was making plans to be at his best friend’s wedding. It was a flight away and the hotel where the wedding was being held...
Criticism and Defensiveness
In order to resolve the inevitable differences that couples experience, they need to be able to talk openly about issues without criticism or defensiveness. When...