It’s not Verbal, it’s Emotional By far, the biggest complaint I hear from couples that come to me for help is, “we don’t talk anymore.” When I hear that, I know that the TRUE cause is so hidden that it is hard to know what they mean. The truth of the matter is that communication isn’t so much about...[ read more ]
5 Ways to Reduce Fighting Over Money & Budgets in Your Relationship If you and your partner argue about money, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, 27% of Americans said that disagreements about finances tend to erupt into full-blown arguments. This means couples fight more about money than they do about work, chores or the kids Perhaps even...[ read more ]
No matter how many times they were warned, few new parents are prepared for the life-changing event of the birth of their first child. No more sleeping in on Saturday, then heading to your favorite restaurant for brunch with friends. These leisurely activities are replaced with sleepless nights and endless diaper changes.It’s no surprise then that many couples feel a...[ read more ]
2020 has had a tumultuous start. With threats of quarantine looming, what happens when couples have extended time together under stress? How can couples manage the newfound time and conflict? Besides the financial, career and logistics changes, this time will prove to be a crucible for relationships, a severe test that can bring focus and change. Starting with the facts,...[ read more ]
For many couples, the discovery of a spousal affair is the ultimate betrayal. And yet, the betrayal by one does not necessarily decrease the love of either party for the other. When you still love someone but the trust has been significantly damaged, is it possible to mend the relationship? Can marriages be rebuilt after an affair?Dr. Janis Spring is...[ read more ]
How many parents have said at one point or another, “I wish my child would have come with a users’ manual,”? Nearly every single one.Nothing can really prepare us for parenthood. No class, no advice, and no user manual can give us the tools we require for raising happy and healthy kids. The truth is, to be good parents requires...[ read more ]
“God, you can be so stupid sometimes.”“Why would he be attracted to YOU?”“You’re just going to screw this up.”These are things you would probably never say to another human being unless you’re a real jerk. But how many of us have that inner critic that says these kinds of things all the time.Most of us treat ourselves far more harshly...[ read more ]
As a therapist, I often have a front row seat to relationship miracles. Well, okay, there are no miracles really. The fact is “fixing” a relationship takes work. It takes two people wanting it to work and then putting in the effort.Having said that, I have seen couples go from nearly ending it to being back in love, and liking and respecting each...[ read more ]
There was a time when the phrase passive-aggressive was rarely uttered among non-psychologists. But it’s a phrase that is mentioned often these days.The problem is, passive-aggressive behavior is almost so common, that it’s hard for people to pinpoint what that behavior looks like exactly.Do you know any passive-aggressive people? Chances are you do. But do you know the real behaviors...[ read more ]
Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up in households that were unsafe...[ read more ]