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
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
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
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
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
It’s hard to think about couples counseling when you’re engaged, anticipating your wedding and getting excited for a lifetime of love. But the truth is, premarital counseling is a must to help couples get on the same page when it comes to important life decisions such as finances, raising children and creating shared family values. Couples need a foundation of solidarity to safeguard their rel…Read More
Remember the line from the movie “Before Sunrise,” when Ethan Hawke looks at Julie Delpy and says, ‘Isn’t everything we do in life a way to be loved even more?” If you haven’t seen this romantic classic, it’s a whimsical adaptation of two people who ponder the deeper meanings of love in just a few hours time. The art of enduring passion and romance isn’t something you have or don…Read More
The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics have come to a close (tear) and Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian of all time. When Phelps is interviewed about his training regime, he humbly shares that it’s an everyday battle. That, even to the legendary swimmer, it doesn’t come easy. He says it takes hard work, determination and a commitment to being the best swimmer of all time. There mig…Read More
Our knowledge and understanding of relationships originates from childhood and has a lot to say about how we choose our romantic partners. But what if what we knew to be true about marriage could actually be doing more harm than good? As a marriage counselor for over 10 years who primarily works with couples, I’ve found that there are a lot of myths about what it takes to have a thriving relatio…Read More
Do you do this? Because I know I do, and then I seriously have to check myself. You’re scrolling through Instagram and you see a friend post their recent kitchen renovation with all the latest appliances and marble counter tops. Another friend posts smiling photos of themselves and their partner traveling to exotic places in what seems like every other month. And as you’re scrolling, jealous…Read More