Empathy, the ability to understand and share another’s feelings, is a crucial skill in any relationship, especially in marriage. As a clinical psychologist, I have witnessed firsthand how empathy can make or break a couple’s…
Picture Nancy, a woman in her 60s who has spent her life putting others first. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she’s always been the caregiver everyone turns to for help. However, as much as…
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can significantly affect our relationships. Whether it’s financial strain, health issues, or parenting challenges, stress can lead to tension, conflict, and emotional distress in couples and…
Living in a bad marriage is very costly…expensive to your health, your wealth, and your entire family. People get physically ill in bad relationships. Research shows that chronic relationship troubles increase the rate of heart…
Emotional affairs (EAs) have become an increasingly common problem in relationships, particularly among men. While often overlooked or dismissed as harmless friendships, these intimate emotional connections can slowly erode the bond between committed partners. Recent…
Infidelity can be one of the most devastating experiences for a relationship. The betrayal, loss of trust, and intense emotions that follow can feel overwhelming for the Hurt Partner. Intrusive thoughts and rumination about the…
You love them. They say they love you, too. But something’s not right. You’ve been together long enough to know this isn’t a casual fling. You’ve invested time, energy, vulnerability—and now you’re quietly waiting for…
In today’s fast-paced world, juggling the demands of work and marriage can be a daunting task. Many couples struggle to find the right balance, often leading to stress, burnout, and relationship strain. As a clinical…
Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable in relationships. However, when these disputes escalate, they can lead to a phenomenon called “flooding” or Diffuse Physiological Arousal (DPA). Flooding is a term coined by renowned relationship expert Dr….
Of course, we know that infants and children experience developmental tasks and challenges emotionally, cognitively, and physically. But theorists Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson argue that a couple’s relationship also experiences developmental stages as…
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but what exactly is trust, and how can we build and maintain it with our partners? As Gottman states, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the…
This is the second in a five-part series on Sexual Styles. Here is Part One exploring the depth of sexual arousal. Have you ever been so entirely absorbed in a sexual experience that the rest…
Introduction: Have you ever wondered why you tend to repeat certain patterns in your relationships? The answer may lie in your earliest bonds with your caregivers. Recent psychology research is shedding light on how the…
How do I know if I am a passive aggressive (“Nice Guy”) husband? Iceberg Syndrome You talk about your intimate self (doubts, fears, insecurities, resentments) on a “need to know” basis. Why rub it in?…
When it comes to human sexuality, there’s more than meets the eye. Beyond the physical aspects of arousal and orgasm lies a complex tapestry of emotional, psychological, and interpersonal factors that shape our sexual experiences….
Imagine the frustration and confusion of struggling to reach orgasm during sex despite having a rock-hard erection. For men with delayed ejaculation (DE), this is a reality that can strain relationships and erode self-esteem. But…
In this post, we’ll delve into the intricate dynamics of the Secure and Avoidant attachment combination. We’ll discuss the push-pull pattern, emotional swings, and deep-seated fears that characterize this combination and how they impact the…
Three rules are easy to agree and hard to keep. We work on the keeping, together, in intensive couples counseling. Elsewhere on the same theme: I Asked ChatGPT a Question about Unrealistic Marital Expectations and…
Complaining is gender-linked behavior. John Gottman says women make 85% of complaints in a relationship, while men complain 15% in heterosexual relationships. When done well, it is the secret to better emotional connections (and I’ll…
Intensive couples therapy can be a powerful tool for helping struggling relationships get back on track. However, not all couples who seek therapy end up with a happily ever after ending. What makes the difference…
Editor’s Note: This article brings together personal, clinical, and neuroscientific perspectives on the impact of compulsive sexual behavior in marriage. At Couples Therapy Inc., we are not a sex addiction treatment center. However, we work…
I was recently asked what the hardest part of being a couples therapist was. The hardest part of being a couples therapist is to face two people who want to divorce, but to believe sincerely…
Understanding and navigating the complexities of neurodiversity within relationships can be both challenging and rewarding. For neurotypical individuals partnered with neurodivergent spouses, comprehending and supporting their unique experiences, especially during meltdowns, is crucial for fostering…
Your Relationship Is in the ER. We’re the Critical Care Team. That sick feeling in your stomach? The panicked thoughts? The tears that won’t stop? This isn’t “just a rough patch.” It’s a full-blown relationship…
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