With the new year comes the time-honored tradition of making resolutions. Some people want to lose weight, some strive to get organized and some decide to quit smoking. But what about your relationship? Can you resolve to improve that too? In many cases, you can — especially when both partners share that same goal. Even […]
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3 Gifts That Are Perfect for the Holidays — and Every Day
Everyone’s searching for that perfect holiday gift for their partner this time of year. While we can’t help you pick out jewelry, clothing or even a gift card, we’ve got suggestions for three gifts we think your partner will love — and you won’t even have to wrap them. The gift of validation: Even if […]
The Importance of Gratitude in Relationships
This time of year, it’s tradition to give thanks. For many, however, recent events make feeling thankful a bit tougher. But just because the world is facing unprecedented challenges, don’t write off the impact that gratitude can still have in your life — and in your relationship. We’re all promised the right to pursue our […]
Emotionally Connected Sex
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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 […]