1. After the Affair

    Infidelity is one of the most devastating blows to a relationship’s foundation. Couples often want to know, “Can my marriage be saved after an affair?” In his book, “What Makes Love Last,” by couples researcher Dr. John Gottman, he seeks to answer that question based on years of research on the concept of trust. Here are some of the book’s most significant findings. Before According to…Read More

  2. How to Cope When External Stressors Take A Toll On Our Relationships

    Living and providing expert couples therapy in my hometown of Fort Lauderdale, we had a big scare this past weekend when Hurricane Irma threatened to hit us directly as a monster Category 4 storm. At the very last minute however, our beautiful coast was spared and we received minimal damage. As grateful as I am that my home and city were saved, the Florida Keys were not as lucky. They felt a direc…Read More

  3. A Couple’s Satisfaction After Kids Is Determined By These Two Things (According to Research)

    Even for the most well prepared couples, having kids is a life-changing experience. Becoming parents is extremely gratifying, yet comes with a whole set of unpredictable twists and turns along the way. Research from the Gottman Institute on Bringing Baby Home found that the majority of couples (67% in fact) report a drop in relationship satisfaction for up to three years after the birth of a baby.…Read More

  4. How to Manage Money Well in Your Marriage

    One of the biggest areas of conflict in relationships revolves around money. Tough conversations can inevitably arise, as money is an unavoidable topic. When discussing financial topics like budgets, school tuition, house buying or car loans, spouses need to be able to make logical decisions while managing heightened emotions. I often recommend that couples identify with and understand their own …Read More

  5. 5 Fundamental Relationship Rules From an Expert Marriage Counselor

    Couples therapy gets a bad rap with the alarming number of therapists who claim to be skilled at working with couples, yet do not have the necessary skill-set to do so. Just as a parent- desperate for an answer to their child’s chronic ear infections- seeks out the leading pediatrician in the field, the same holds true when looking for a marriage counselor. For matters of the heart, people want …Read More

  6. From Rocky to Rock-Steady. How to Get Your Relationship Back on Solid Ground

    Some couples have rocky beginnings. Maybe it’s a bad breakup that left you terrified of starting something new, high expectations that turned into quick disappointment or a lie that sets the relationship up for future resentment. Other couples have it easy right off the bat, but end up going through tough seasons later on. Maybe it’s financial trouble, perpetually heated arguments or mutual fe…Read More

  7. The “Ignorance is Bliss” Syndrome For Romantic Relationships

    Dr. John Gottman’s world-renowned research on couples satisfaction discovered that couples wait an astounding six years on average to seek outside help from a couple’s counselor after problems arise. By then resentment, bitterness and relationship hostility have crept in and become like a pesky, unwanted houseguest that has taken up permanent residence in the home. How is it possible that cou…Read More

  8. Got Trust? How to Heal From Betrayal, Infidelity and Breach of Trust

    It’s a terrible feeling to be betrayed by the one you love. We tend to believe that only infidelity, affairs and cheating constitue betrayal (and they are), but there are other forms of betrayal and can be equally harmful to a relationship. Dr. John Gottman, a world-renowned relationship expert quotes a phrase from his book, What Makes Love Last on betrayal: “Betrayal is the secret that lies a…Read More

  9. Are You In An Abusive Relationship?

    There is blatant physical abuse like hitting, kicking, punching, pushing, and then there’s non-physical abuse (psychological or emotional) that involve emotional manipulation, power and control, threats and financial restraint. All are extremely toxic and damaging, and emotional and psychological abuse in particular can go unnoticed or overlooked. Below are five clear signs of abuse that you may…Read More

  10. 25 Ways to Safeguard Your Relationship From Holiday Stress

    High hopes of spending quality time with family, staying within budget and building lasting memories are what couples yearn for most around the holidays. But what often occurs instead is heightened conflict, family pressure and emotional letdown. It’s inevitable that tensions will arise as research from several studies using the Centers of Disease Control found that physical and mental health is…Read More