In my work with couples, one theme that comes up again and again is the importance of accepting influence from one another. This idea, drawn from the Gottman Institute’s extensive research on what makes relationships thrive, is one of the strongest...
Infidelity is one of the most painful breaches of trust in a relationship. Whether it’s a physical affair, an emotional connection with someone outside the partnership, or even financial secrecy, betrayal shakes the foundation of what you once believed to be...
Valentine’s Day is often loaded with high expectations — grand gestures, romantic moments, and picture-perfect celebrations. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? Maybe you forgot to make a reservation, got the wrong gift, or simply missed the mark...
Relationships are deeply affected by the emotional and mental well-being of each partner. Challenges like anxiety, ADHD, and anger management don’t just affect the individual — they also ripple through the relationship. In my last blog post, I shared how...
It’s fascinating to think about what happens in the brain when we’re in love. With advances in neuroimaging like fMRI, researchers like Daniel Siegel can actually observe how the brain “lights up” in response to love — activating in ways similar to the effects...
Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. When approached with compassion and understanding, conflict can actually strengthen the bond between partners. At Core Values Counseling, we believe in empowering couples...
