What about marriages where there is no longer physical intimacy? Can these relationships be saved? It is estimated that 15%-20% of married couples in the United States have not had sex in the past 6 months to a year. This does not include the over 50% of unions that end in divorce. A sexless marriage is not merely not having …
What is a narcissistic personality disorder?
Why has it become such a buzz phrase? Are there really that many undiagnosed narcissists today? Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD is a one of several types of personality disorders. It is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of self, of their own importance; they have a deep need for excessive attention and admiration and they …
3 Tips on Supporting Partner with Anxiety/Depression
Ah, it seems you have fallen in love. Everything is wonderful and right with the world. The beginning of your relationship was fun and exciting, but now you’re getting to really know each other and that comes with some challenges. You realize your partner is anxious, maybe even depressed. If you have never experienced this yourself, dealing with a loved …
Social Media and Relationships
With the news of Gabby Petito’s death, it has become notorious the impact of social media on couples. We often see couples come into our office with idealistic visions of what their relationship should look like. For example, newlyweds sometimes seek counseling sessions fearing that their relationship is doomed, problematic, and unfixable with very solvable marital matters, such as repeated …
How to Maintain Sexual Desire in a Relationship
Do you miss the sex that you used to have with your partner? Do you feel your sexual chemistry has faded along with your desire to initiate and engage in sex? Do you want to spice up your sex life and feel the fiery passion you used to feel again? When we first meet someone we are interested in, there’s …
Knowing the VALUE of RESPECT in every relationship
“Without respect, relationships are lost, and if someone can’t value your difference, and respect your values and beliefs, then they don’t deserve a front-row seat in your life.” – Riya Raj People have a different opinions about what the word “R_E_S_P_E_C_T” means. Often, it is referred to as the difference between the level of authority, such as with our parents, …
A Relationship is not just about SEX.
“Couples who schedule a time to connect with each other have healthier, happier relationships.” – Chris Kraft, Ph.D. Sex is an integral part of life and overall well-being. Aside from reproduction, sex can be about intimacy and pleasure. It has many health benefits and strengthens the bond between couples. Sex helps initiate a romantic relationship but it is not everything to …
How to prepare your relationship for post-pandemic times
Covid-19 has definitely changed our lives forever. For some couples, the quarantine created the opportunity to spend more time together in the home. Without the added chaos of the outside world, this past year offered couples additional time to spend alone together and additional help with the children. For other couples, the quarantine created more chaos and less time spent …
What is the most Toxic Communication Pattern?
Toxic communication patterns have the capacity to cause tremendous damage to our relationships — whether they be with our families, partners, friends, or co-workers — to the point where they can even end the relationship altogether. Collectively studied and labeled as “The Four Horsemen”, by Dr. John Gottman, these negative communication patterns consist of criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling, and …
Apologizing in a Relationship: Why is it important and how do I do it?
Apologizing isn’t just saying “I’m sorry” it’s also feeling, emotion, and action. Here are some expert tips to keep in your back pocket for the next time you’re apologizing to your partner. Apologizing can be a difficult thing for many people to do; often times it takes setting your pride to the side to admit you were at fault. With …