When conversations get off track, skilled couples can bring them back. A couple does this by giving effective feedback and having their partner be responsive...
Archive for tag: Criticism
Home » Criticism
15.042026January 14, 2026
Benefit of the Doubt
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Accountability, Criticism, Trust
The husband of a couple I see wants his wife to give him the benefit of the doubt. The husband has good intentions and doesn’t...
10.092025September 10, 2025
What Would Work For Me…
When I observe couples interacting in counseling, one of my favorite statements is, “What would work for me…” What I love about this statement is...
05.112024November 4, 2024
You Seem Off
Leah and Robert were on a road trip when Robert started slowing down on the highway, and Leah said, “What’s wrong with you?” Robert heard...
17.092024September 12, 2024
Imposed Perfectionism
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Criticism, Judgement, Perfectionism, Truth
Perfectionism is not a problem in itself. If someone holds high standards for themselves, that is their prerogative. However, if they impose those high standards...
25.042024April 25, 2024
Have the Conversation
Last night, I watched a movie, Hope Gap, about a husband who had withdrawn from his wife.Her constant criticism of him led him to retreat....
10.012024December 15, 2023
Into the Future
Criticism erodes relationships. Being mindful that your words are non-critical is a key to success. If your partner reacts or responds defensively to your words,...
13.092023September 12, 2023
Recipe for Disaster
This was the third stint of couples counseling for Rob and Amy. I often felt Rob didn’t want to be in couples counseling but felt...
24.052023May 22, 2023
Paradigm Shift
James and Dawn were in a bad place. They had made progress in couples counseling, but then had a setback that they never recovered from....
15.032023February 13, 2023
Zinged
Donald recently retired and now has the time to renovate their kitchen. When he and his wife Amanda were discussing the project, she said, “The...