Differences don’t need to be problematic in relationships, since all relationships have differences. The issue is how couples manage these differences. Ideally, couples have respectful...
Archive for tag: Communication
Damaged?
Phil told me that he and Elyse had a damaged relationship. At home, the language was inflammatory, and conversations were futile. In couples counseling, they...
Translations
In couples counseling, couples primarily talk directly to each other. However, sometimes, an individual wants to express something to their partner but doesn’t know how...
Without Imposing
Derek and Janine were struggling in their relationship. Tension was high, and they were disconnected. We discussed how they could express their opinions without imposing...
Resolve Doesn’t Mean You Agree
Claire was upset at Andy for moving money from one account to another without telling her. He said he thought he had told her, but...
Muscle Memory
In my couples counseling sessions, we focus a lot on language. Couples’ ability to work through issues depends on their communication skills. Couples counseling aims...
Rewiring
Heather came to couples counseling to either repair their relationship or end it. Her husband of thirty years, Jay, recently erupted and verbally attacked her,...
Integrity in Your Words
I usually think of integrity as fidelity in a committed relationship. However, one of my clients discussed having “integrity in your words.” I liked the...
What Works for Me
If you don’t like what your partner is saying or how they are saying it, many individuals criticize their partner or tell them what they...
Needs & Impact
Erin and Jeff had two young children and were frequently in conflict. Now a stay-at-home mother, Erin expected Jeff to know what she needed. For...