Successful couples know how to discuss issues without escalating. If they do escalate, they may be able to repair conflict as it’s occurring. If not,...
Archive for category: Relationship Counseling
Amend the Agreement
Over the weekend, Jessica agreed that she would call the contractor on Monday. When Tony asked about it on Tuesday, he was upset that she...
From My Couch to Yours
During the pandemic, a number of couples doubted the efficacy of telehealth. Some couples who I saw pre-pandemic chose not to continue until we could...
Chalk Portraits
Now that Ed was working from home, Denise asked him to help out with the kids for an hour a day. This would give her...
Ritualizing Time
Michael and Eileen talked with each other in couples counseling about how to reconnect. They acknowledged that they weren’t eating meals with each other, despite...
Checking In
Despite spending a lot of time together during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eileen and Michael were feeling disconnected. In fact, Eileen was worried about their trajectory—becoming...
We Can’t Afford It
Jim and Caroline were talking about finances and Caroline expressed really wanting something. Jim said, “We can’t afford it” and the conversation shut down. The...
I Didn’t Mean to Be Dismissive
Joseph and Holly were suffering. After many years of sobriety, their adult daughter relapsed. Joseph made comments such as “Nothing we can do about it.”...
Tangled Yarn
Pete and Rebecca’s relationship was strained. This was the second marriage for each of them and they both had adult children. Rebecca’s daughter lived with...
Mopping Up
A husband and wife were driving to the store to purchase a new washer. Their current washer was leaking water on the tile floor. Knowing...