Control Issues in a Relationship
“Control issues” usually stem from fear or anxiety. When a person is afraid of an outcome or wants things to be a certain way, they can become rigid. By feeling a sense of control, they can reduce their anxiety and feel that they have power. While it is easy to label someone as controlling, it […]
How is Imago marriage counseling different from other marriage counseling that you’ve tried?
We get asked that question a lot… “how is your marriage counseling program different than any of the other marriage counseling that we’ve already tried?” At our last group setting couples retreat we held here in Baltimore, MD, a couple asked us the very first day of the retreat, “Our previous therapist told us we […]
4 Things to Do When Dealing With a Toxic Family Member
It’s normal to have arguments, disagreements, and moments of frustration with our in-laws and close loved ones. If the disconnect becomes harmful and toxic, far beyond the occasional “button pushing” that all family members engage in it’s time to take action. “Family.” The word is dynamic, diverse, and loaded with history—and for all of us, occasional conflict, too. How […]
3 Insightful Ways to Bring Up an Issue With Your Spouse
Want to talk to your husband or wife about something important but don’t know how to bring it up without starting a fight or scaring them away? Whether you’re an introvert, an empath, or find it difficult to have a conversation about something important with your partner; the key to a happy marriage is communication. […]
That’s Funny, Honey: Tips for Using Humor During Marital Conflict to Stop Fights in Their Tracks
Want to know why bringing the heat down a notch during a relationship conflict is so important? Close your eyes and picture the last time you and your spouse laughed together. Really put yourself in that memory, conjuring up how it felt. It felt good, right? Want to feel it again? There’s no question that […]
10 Signs of Emotional Abuse You Should Never Ignore
Is Emotional Abuse Quietly Hurting Your Marriage? Here’s How to Recognize It—and Heal Together When couples come to us feeling disconnected, they often say,“We love each other… but something just feels off.”Maybe the spark is gone. Maybe communication feels tense. Maybe you’re walking on eggshells. What many don’t realize is that emotional abuse—often unintentional and […]
What Are the “Four Horsemen” of Relationships? Here’s What the Research Says
Psychologist Dr. John Gottman has spent over 40 years researching relationships. Considered a leading expert on marital stability, Dr. Gottman is famously known for predicting whether couples will divorce with 90% accuracy. How has he developed such a keen eye for identifying ill-fated marriages? Dr. Gottman credits the work he’s done with over 3,000 newlywed […]
What should I do when my husband ignores me?
If your husband ignores you, you may be feeling uncomfortable, sad, or even mad. Keep reading to gain more clarity about what is happening and what you can do to positively impact the situation. Reasons Your Husband Ignores You While there are many possible reasons you are feeling ignored by your husband, here are a […]
How Marriage Intensives can help you stop marital fights before they start
While it’s unreasonable to think that marriage intensives will eradicate all conflict in a relationship, they can definitely help. By getting to the core issues of your relationship and teaching you practical tools that will help you navigate through the difficult topics and feel more connected, you will find yourself feeling closer to each other […]
Body Language and other non verbal communication problems in marriage
Did you know that there is a silent 3rd partner in your marriage? That’s your body language and your non verbal communication. You can fix your non verbal communication problems in marriage through the following communication problems we noticed in the presidential debates! More inspiration about communication problems in marriage and how to shift them: […]
Marriage Issues: Stopping Emotional Abuse in Marriage
What is emotional abuse in marriage? It can be hard to quantify since it differs greatly from physical abuse but can be the slippery slope that leads to it. Emotional Abuse: What You Should Know Emotional abuse is a topic we get questions about often. So many relationships are suffering from emotional abuse. Stopping emotional […]
Marriage Counseling Specializing in Affair Recovery
If you’ve just discovered your spouse had an affair, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed—hurt, betrayed, angry, confused, or even ashamed. Whether you had the affair or your partner did, you’ve landed here because you’re looking for marriage counseling specializing in affair recovery. First, know this: there is hope. Healing after infidelity is one of the hardest […]
I Don’t Love My Spouse Anymore? Which of the 3 Relationship Stages are You In
The stages of a relationship are often misunderstood, and confused with what at first appears to be the end of a marriage. Find yourself saying “I don’t love my spouse anymore”? Wondering what to do if you don’t love your spouse anymore? Wondering if your marriage is over and beyond repair? These feelings are normal […]
No Communication in Marriage? Learn Why. Maximizer vs Minimizer Styles
In a marriage, we need to make sure we communicate effectively. Our communication styles dictate for the most part how we react in certain situations, and the two most common communication styles are maximizers and minimizers. A maximizer is loud and boisterous, while the minimizer is reserved and avoids conflict. This dynamic can become very […]
How to talk when you’re stressed
When you feel stressed, you are not able to make conscious and informed decisions. You will react out of fight/flight mode. When you learn how to speak with emotional safety, you’ll be able to calm down these fight/flight reactions and utilize your “full brain” and not just the reptilian one which is designed to protect […]