Should I Leave my Partner? Time for a Divorce
Deciding whether to leave a relationship is one of the most difficult and consequential choices a person can face. While there is no easy answer, some situations strongly indicate it may be time to end…
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9 Vital Signs That You & Your Spouse Are Recovering From Infidelity
When infidelity rocks a relationship, both partners often wonder if genuine recovery is possible and what that recovery might look like. While every couple’s journey is unique, there are clear indicators that can help you…
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The Health Consequences of Constant Bickering in Marriage
Introduction Amidst the ebb and flow of any marriage, disagreements and arguments often find their place. Yet, what might seem like routine spats can carry far-reaching consequences, not just for the relationship but for your…
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Happy Couples Focus on These Fights
Dr. John Gottman’s 30+ years of research have consistently focused on what happy couples do differently than couples who unhappily struggle. He used to call these couples the “Masters of Marriage.” Now, (I imagine in…
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The Covert Narcissist Husband…7 Tell-Tale Signs
He’ll secretly take away your power while denying he’s doing that. What is a Covert Narcissist Husband? In this post, I’ll describe both the seven traits of a covert narcissist and how these traits show…
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Thirteen Essential Rules for Healthy Conflict in Marriage: A Research-Based Guide
When couples come to therapy, they often ask if fighting means their marriage is in trouble. The research tells us something surprising: conflict itself isn’t the problem – it’s how we handle it that matters….
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15 Essential Questions to Ask Before Saying “I Do”
Because love isn’t blind—it’s brave enough to look. So you’re thinking about forever. Maybe there’s a ring. Maybe just a shared Netflix account and a lot of hope. Either way, you’re wondering: Is this the…
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Why Do Married Couples Stop Talking to Each Other?
by Doug Burford, Ph.D. Revised on August 11, 2023, Dr. Burford is a Christian minister practicing science-based couples therapy through Couples Therapy Inc. He works with all couples with a specialization on couples wanting a biblical…
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Gottman Rapoport
First published February 18, 2018Updated: Jan 17, 2024 Gottman Rapoport: An Intervention in Couples Therapy One night over dinner, John Gottman was discussing his work with other renowned thinkers in psychology. His discussion reminded one…
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Decoding “Perpetual Problems:” Gottman’s Insights on Endless Relationship Conflicts
Every couple faces conflicts, but some issues seem to defy resolution, resurfacing over and over again. Renowned relationship expert Dr. John Gottman calls these “perpetual problems” — chronic disagreements rooted in fundamental differences between partners.1…
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What to Do When Your Man Is Emotionally Unavailable: Insights from Psychology
Are you in a relationship with a man who struggles to open up about his feelings? Does he avoid emotional conversations, seem distant, or shut down when you try to connect on a deeper level?…
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When Digital Affairs Come to Life: 5 Eye-Opening Scenes That Transform Online Behavior into Real-World Drama
Digital micro-cheating can silently erode marriage boundaries. Through five real-world scenarios, discover how seemingly innocent online interactions can damage relationships and learn practical strategies to protect your marriage in the digital age. I want to…
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The Zeigarnik Effect as it Applies to Couples
What is the Zeigarnik Effect?
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Is Your Childhood Trauma Hurting Your Relationship?
If you or your partner were abused as children, you may already be feeling the fallout—but not fully understanding its source. Trauma doesn’t just haunt the past. It walks into the marriage with you, often…
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Workplace Emotional Affairs: When Hearts Meet at Work
The modern workplace has become more than just a setting for professional achievement—it’s where many of our most meaningful human connections form. With professionals dedicating the majority of their waking hours to work environments, the…
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The Empty Nest Myth: Your Best Years Are Still to Come
For years, the concept of “empty nest syndrome” has loomed large in our cultural consciousness. It’s a term that evokes images of bereft parents, sadly puttering around a suddenly too-quiet house, at a loss for…
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The Problem with Being Defensive in Relationships—and How to Break Free
We’ve all been there. Your partner says something simple—maybe even reasonable—and suddenly you’re hot with indignation, ready to defend your honor like a medieval knight. The problem? You’re not under attack. Not really. But defensiveness…
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Better Science-Based Couples Therapy for Military Couples
Marriage counseling for military couples often focuses on the difficult challenges that couples may face. However, this post will also discuss the strengths and advantages of being in a military relationship. Joining the military provides…
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Between my wife and my mother…
My wife is very critical of my family. She is especially mean to my mother–openly criticizing her to other people and behaving quite rudely when my parents come to visit. I am the first to…
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Lesbian and Gay Couples Therapy: Research Shows What Works, What Doesn’t
Gay relationships and lesbian relationships have unique challenges and strengths. Gay marriage counseling is much like couples counseling for all couples. There are, however, important caveats for same-sex couples. We’ll discuss some of these differences…
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How to Stop Gaslighting in a Relationship
When someone makes you question your own reality, it can feel like slowly losing your grip on truth itself. Whether it’s a romantic partner, family member, or friend, gaslighting creates a fog of self-doubt that…
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How Does a Passive-Aggressive Man End a Relationship?
Understanding passive-aggressive behavior in relationships can feel like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. While these patterns might start subtly, they often evolve into complex webs of mixed messages, denied emotions, and carefully…
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Building a Strong Relationship for Children
As parents navigate marital challenges, the impact on their children often becomes a pressing concern. Research shows that specific patterns in parental relationships can significantly affect children’s emotional development and future relationships. Understanding these key…
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Healing the Heart: Navigating Grief in Affair Recovery
Revised 11/17/23 You want to return to your marriage, but you also want to know how to get over your affair partner. The grief of the “unfaithful” Involved Partner is the most delicate issue in…
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