Let’s consider a fictionalized case study on physical intimacy: Bob and Sarah have several long and difficult days with their kids taking virtual classes at home during the pandemic. Although they have a strong relationship, balancing careers and child care is causing friction — they’ve been a bit disconnected lately. Bob hopes to squeeze in […]
Healing Affairs and Betrayals
August 28, 2020 – 12:29 pm
We’re wired to depend on our partner. Our attachment bond tells us that we can trust him or her to have our back and that our partner is our safe base. This knowledge helps us navigate the challenges of the world. Attachment scientists call this healthy interdependence. But humans are imperfect, and events occur in […]
Don’t Wait for Your Check Engine Light to Come on
August 3, 2020 – 9:00 am
If your relationship is in a secure place, that’s something to be grateful for. The danger is in believing that the routine you’re in now will go on forever. Like a car, relationships need regular care and maintenance. Ignore your car long enough, and the check engine light comes on — usually only after serious […]
Taming Fear — Together
July 10, 2020 – 7:29 pm
Some fears can seem trivial or even fun to experience, like what you feel when watching a horror movie. But there are also things in life to be legitimately afraid of. And two of these — severe illness and financial hardship — have come to the fore as COVID-19 confronts couples with budget strains and […]
Pandemic Problem Solving
June 10, 2020 – 5:17 pm
While the coronavirus pandemic is not necessarily causing relationship problems, it can aggravate existing issues. Increased proximity and overtaxed patience make it difficult for some couples to cope. Now is a good time to “level up” and become a problem-solving power couple with advice from a couples therapist. “Couples typically get ‘stuck’ on issues around […]
Teletherapy: Counseling in the Time of Coronavirus
May 4, 2020 – 12:30 pm
The stress of the coronavirus pandemic is testing the limits of individuals and couples while also restricting their ability to visit mental health counselors. Like other health professionals, therapists have turned to technology. “I’m using the internet, video conferencing, and telephone to help people who can’t come in person,” said therapist John Gallagher, LMHC, of […]
Can Couples Therapy Really Work?
April 7, 2020 – 7:12 pm
Even the closest of couples can face serious conflicts over the course of their relationship. Everyday issues such as financial woes, childrearing, family disputes and health problems can all trigger serious difficulties by themselves. With the coronavirus pandemic now disrupting normal life, partners are facing increased pressure and spending a lot more time together in […]
Is Your Marriage Experiencing the 7-Year Itch?
March 5, 2020 – 9:59 pm
The traditional 7th anniversary gift is copper or wool. And while some people may be going out to buy their spouse a cozy wool blanket or a copper platter, some couples aren’t buying each other anything because they’re already in trouble. Couples may find themselves thinking back to how great the beginning of their relationship […]
Rekindling Romance: Advice from a Couples Therapist
February 4, 2020 – 8:40 pm
Has your marriage gone from lusty to lackluster? Have you found yourself in a relationship rut, unsure how to revive the spark that once drew the two of you together? If so, you’re not alone, and it does not necessarily mean that the end of the road is near. What it does mean is that […]
Relationship Resolutions
January 8, 2020 – 6:21 pm
So, what are your New Year’s resolutions for 2020? Do you want to join a gym? Dress more stylishly? Lose weight? How about looking beyond self-improvement and making some changes to improve your life as a couple? Here are a few relationship resolutions to consider while you head back to the gym and start cutting […]