In my first session with couples, I ask them about their prior experiences with marriage counseling. I want to learn what was previously helpful and...
Archive for category: Couples Therapy
You’re Staring
Rob and Kaitlyn were pleased they addressed a trust issue since our last meeting. Rob told Kaitlyn that she was staring at one of his...
I’m Not Sure This Is The Right Relationship
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,...
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...