Every couple is different. For some of us, the first year of marriage is awesome — for some of us, it’s incredibly stressful. Some couples adjust to children quickly and easily, but the majority of us have a much more difficult transition. For every new...
Wedding vows: creating a covenant with your beloved, in front of witnesses, swearing to love each other until death do you part. But does that include doing the dishes? Does it include keeping quiet when we haven’t had breakfast yet, because who knows what...
I hope you’ll indulge me for a moment, because I really want to take this opportunity to brag on my incredible daughter-in-law (or, as I like to say, ‘daughter-in-LOVE’). She’s recently started a blog called “My Daughter’s...
When was the last time you made time for FUN with your partner? As therapists and leaders of couples’ workshops, we will be the first to tell you that great relationships take work. They do! That’s part and parcel of a long-term commitment. But great...
When you’ve been in a long-term relationship for, well, a pretty long time, it’s common to develop a rhythm, a schedule, a sense of what’s ‘normal’ for your life together. And when your partner suddenly decides they want to change that...
Recently, I’ve read articles how social media has increased likelihood of depression and anxiety. Is anyone surprised? When we’re scrolling, all we see is everybody’s curated ‘best-of’; the best parts of their life, often seen while we’re sitting in the worst of...
I’ll just say it: we all have gotten into the habit of using our phones too much. It’s hampering our relationships to the point that ‘together alone’ is a common catchphrase. It’s understandable; I do it, too! Our phones are enticing, with emails, social media,...
As we discussed on our blog from last week, social media can provide a temptation to the best of us. But what do you do if you suspect that your partner has already made those connections? This can be a horrible feeling. But, first of all, resist the urge to try...
I’ve been dealing a lot with affairs lately in my work with couples. And boy, all three of these were started with, you guessed it: social media. It starts on Facebook, reconnecting old flames, and evolves to a full-blown affair. Of course, social media is a huge...
Do you need alone time as part of your own self-care? Sometimes, when we’re in a long-term relationship, asking for alone time can feel strange. You love your partner, and you love being together, but sometimes one of you just needs more alone time than the...
Reposted from our newsletter, February 8th — subscribe here! Every Valentine’s Day, we all tend to do the same sort of thing. Something romantic. And of course, romance is essential for a healthy relationships. Which is why we’re suggesting something...
Journaling is one of the most practical, accessible ways to improve your overall well-being. It’s one of the first things I recommend to my clients, and it’s helped me in my own personal life time and time again. But many people remain skeptical —...
Last week we talked about Headspace and the power of meditation. I can’t say I’ve been doing it perfectly, but I have just finished the first 10 days of introduction — and I believe I’m on a journey! The next frontier for me in this fresh start for a fresh year...
Recently, on the recommendation of some dear family members, I gave the app Headspace a try. Designed to provide accessible meditation for all occasions, the app guides you through your practice of mindfulness on the assumption that meditation can reduce stress....
There are plenty of books and blogs out there entirely focused on setting (and accomplishing) goals. These are an excellent resource, and setting goals for your own personal growth or your career are OF COURSE important! I’d even say essential, to be honest — if...
Today is the quietest day of the year. Okay, well, that’s not scientifically proven or anything, but it’s my own personal theory. The presents are opened, the dinners are past, many people are still off work — but there’s not much left to plan for. Everyone’s in...
For those of us with kiddos, winter vacation has happily begun! Many out there will get at least a few days off of work for this season, and while you’re at it, I must implore you: Please take an actual break. Too often I see my clients taking ‘breaks,’ wherein...
Have you had an open-ended conversation with your partner about what you expect from the holidays? This is a conversation so many couples skip, and in doing so both sides tend to make assumptions that can cause stress and conflict down the line. What are your hopes...
We’ve been talking a lot recently about gratitude, and expressing appreciation for your partner. Appreciation can be especially hard when you don’t feel that gratitude in return — when you just feel taken for granted, especially if you’ve been making an such an...
Last week, we talked about practicing gratitude for your loved one by tuning your heart to appreciation. But what about when it comes to expressing that gratitude? Being able to express gratitude and appreciation is the next step in this process, and a pretty...
