Articles
Relationship Tip-Create Closeness with Small Repairs
Posted on November 30, 2010 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
We all know what it feels like when you have something you need to talk about with your partner. You can’t help chewing on it while you’re driving or trying to fall asleep. You try to tell yourself it’s no big deal, but the hurt lingers and makes you feel annoyed or distant.
But it’s not …
What If Your Marriage Problem Isn’t Stubbornness After All?
Posted on September 22, 2010 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
“We’re stubborn. We butt heads,” said Jan. “We’re both used to doing things our way, and the more the other pushes, the more we dig in our heels.”
A lot of couples bring me this problem in their first marriage counseling appointment. Maybe you can relate.
Bill was sitting on my couch, one puzzled man. Jan was …
Can Great Listening Save a Marriage?
Posted on August 21, 2010 Filed Under Communication | 2 Comments
The first thing most people say when they sit down in my marriage counseling office is: “My husband (or wife) doesn’t listen to me!” Many a relationship problem starts here. After all, if you don’t feel listened to, then it’s …
Men—Want Better Sex in Your Marriage? Be Seductive
Posted on August 14, 2010 Filed Under Sex | Leave a Comment
What happened to the sexual revolution, anyway? I know a lot of my male clients feel like the sexual temperature at home feels a lot more like the 50’s than the 70’s.
As a marriage counselor, I a have bird’s eye view of this phenomenon, so …
Relationship Communication Secret — No Ghost Stories Allowed
Posted on August 8, 2010 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
Did you know half your relationship communication problems are products of your imagination? It’s true! Under stress, your brain actually invents stories about how your partner’s up to no good. In our family, we call them “ghost stories.” You can end arguments with your partner …
Women — Want Better Sex in Your Marriage? Stay in the Game
Posted on August 1, 2010 Filed Under Sex | Leave a Comment
For too many married women, their sex life can best be described as a sad stalemate. Which is not at all what they signed up for. As one of my marriage counseling clients put it, “I did not get married to fight about sex for …
No Time For Love?
Posted on August 3, 2009 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
As the counseling session wrapped up, Sandy asked if we could schedule our next appointment for two weeks out instead of one. That way they would have more time to do their ‘homework’ and practice the communication skills they were learning.
“Yeah,” said …
Soft and Slow
Posted on August 3, 2009 Filed Under Pre-Marital | Leave a Comment
A recent Wall Street Journal article described the growing trend of CEO’s going to therapy. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. They’re under great pressure, they’re supposed to have all the answers, and their ability to communicate …
Do Your Marriage a Favor – Rock the Boat!
Posted on August 3, 2009 Filed Under Pre-Marital | Leave a Comment
Sally knew that she and Mark had different tastes on their first date. But she kept her knowledge to herself. She wasn’t going to create problems in her new relationship.
When Mark said he liked to go camping, Sally didn’t express her first thought, which …
Envisioning Your Future
Posted on August 3, 2009 Filed Under Pre-Marital | Leave a Comment
In my counseling practice, I work with couples in all stages of life. I see engaged couples and married couples who are struggling with their relationships. Very often these men and women want very different things out of life. I see men …
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