Should You Work on Your Own “Stuff” Before Trying Couples Therapy?
Should I go to individual therapy before couples therapy? What if my therapist says I’m the problem in my marriage? Can couples therapy help if childhood trauma is involved? Do I need to fix myself before marriage counseling? For many couples, even deciding to go to marriage counseling is a big leap. You may worry […]
10 Signs of Emotional Abuse in Marriage (and How to Heal)
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 […]
When your wife won’t talk. What to do if she’s giving you the silent treatment.
When your wife won’t talk and you’re met with silence, it can feel isolating, frustrating, and even frightening. The silent treatment is one of the most common (and most painful) dynamics couples face. The good news? With the right understanding and tools, you can break the cycle and restore connection. There are things your wife […]
5 Marriage Communication Problems & How to Fix Them
Key Takeaways Most communication problems in marriage boil down to threat/defense cycles; lowering threat (tone, timing, clarity) unlocks progress. Use a soft start-up (I-statement + one fact + one feeling + one specific request) to reduce defensiveness and increase repair attempts. Replace mind reading and unsolicited advice with active listening and validation phrases so your […]