Every summer, struggling couples tell themselves some version of the same story: Things will be better once work slows down. We just need a vacation. When the kids are out of school, we’ll finally reconnect. It’s an understandable hope but often a disappointing one. Many couples quietly pin their relationship’s recovery on the season itself,...
In-law relationships are rarely simple. Some couples feel lucky to have gained a second family. Others quietly count down the minutes until the holiday visit is over. Most of us land somewhere in between, navigating a web of personalities, histories, and expectations that we never quite signed up for. But here’s the thing no one...
If you’ve ever thought, “Why do we keep having the same argument?” you’re not alone. Many couples come to therapy feeling stuck in the same patterns: One partner shuts down The other pushes for resolution Small issues turn into big disconnections These communication problems in marriage aren’t random. While many couples understand that personality differences...
As each year comes to a close, many couples feel an understandable pull toward starting fresh. New calendars invite new intentions. Yet the most meaningful growth in relationships doesn’t come from wiping the slate clean. It comes from carrying forward what you’ve learned, together. This past year likely asked something of your relationship. Perhaps you...
As a couples therapist, I see a huge uptick in requests for couples therapy around big political events, especially around elections. We’re all used to the idea that political conversations can erupt into big fights with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors but many people are surprised when they can’t talk to their own spouse/partner about...
You don’t always have to agree with your partner to show respect and care. Validation is about seeing and acknowledging another person’s feelings, even if you don’t feel the same way. For example: “I get why you’d be upset about that.” “That makes a lot of sense.” “I can see why you feel that way.”...
I see a common pattern in my couples therapy practice: A couple comes in after YEARS of struggling, and they say, “I wish we had done this sooner.” FACT: On average, couples with relationship problems wait 6 years before seeking help. This stat – from the world renowned Gottman Institute – is one of the...
Did you know that roughly 30% of couples who seek therapy have a “mixed agenda”? This means one of you wants to save the relationship, while the other is unsure and thinking about leaving. What does this look like in couples therapy? Basically, one person is there to try and make it work (the “leaning...
You know those ‘perfect couples’ you see on social media? They’re lying. Underneath the perfect online appearance are many arguments and passive-aggressive comments to get on the same page (at least long enough to appear perfect, haha!). Problem-solving is one of the toughest challenges for most couples. But there’s no way to avoid this important...
You’ve made it to your golden years and just retired from work! You’ve worked your butt off for decades, contributed your talents to your community, raised kids, planned and saved. You’ve tended to your marriage and made it through years, even decades of joys and struggles. Now, you’re ready to relax, travel, visit the kids...
