Robert and Joyce were processing a recent conflict in couples counseling. During the argument, Robert told Joyce that she was “making a mountain out of...
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Archive for tag: Dismissiveness
Home » Dismissiveness
21.012026January 14, 2026
Rewriting History
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Dismissiveness, Recurring Patterns, Repairs
When women want to address unfinished issues from the past, it’s not uncommon for husbands to say, “It’s in the past.” However, the comment is...
29.052024April 25, 2024
Master Healthy Communication
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Couples Counseling, Dismissiveness, Emotional Support
Rachel is looking for emotional support from her sometimes dismissive husband, Rob. Rob tended to say, “You’re fine,” when she shared something emotionally upsetting. She...
16.022022January 28, 2022
No Big Deal
One of the comments couples can make is “It’s no big deal.” I find men more likely to make this comment than women. The problem...
26.012022January 25, 2022
Forgiveness
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage CounselingTags Change, Disconnected, Dismissiveness, Forgiveness
I’m currently working separately with two couples in which the husband mistreated the wife. With one couple, the husband tended to be critical and dogmatic....
15.092021September 29, 2021
I’ll Consider It
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples TherapyTags Communication, Communication Techniques, Dismissiveness, Language
During our couples counseling session, Ann was asking for something, and Mark responded with “We’ll see.” Ann viscerally reacted to his statement but wasn’t clear...
22.042020September 9, 2020
We Can’t Afford It
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Disconnected, Dismissiveness, Finances
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...
15.042020January 14, 2026
Trust Restored
Anthony was unfaithful in his marriage. He initially said the affair went on for two years, and later told his second wife Diane that it...
08.042020September 9, 2020
I Didn’t Mean to Be Dismissive
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Dismissiveness, Support
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.”...
11.072018December 4, 2018
Security Code
By Dr. Richard ReinIn Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship CounselingTags Dismissiveness, Sensitivity, Symbols
April and John are strongly attracted and feel a deep sense of love for each other. Despite this connection, an issue emerged that was troublesome....