Do we still believe in marriage?
In 2017 I published an article called “How My Therapist Destroyed My Marriage“. It was pretty controversial. I got a lot of “hate mail” from other therapists. Others Have Experienced Nightmarish Marriage Counseling Fails as Well I must admit that I felt a little intimidated until my phone started ringing (and still does) with those […]
How to Apologize to Your Spouse Effectively: Healing Through Imago Therapy Techniques
Navigating the Path to Sincere Apologies In every marriage, the journey is filled with moments of joy and challenges, where the words we choose and the way we communicate can either build bridges or walls between us. Apologizing to your spouse, a simple yet profound act, often becomes a stumbling block for many couples. It’s […]
Chores, Fights, or Real Connection? How to Decide If You Need More Than “Better Communication”
Alex and Jordan’s story is all too familiar: once full of laughter and late-night talks, their marriage now revolves around schedules, chores, and conflict. The shift feels subtle at first—but one day you realize: we’re not really talking anymore. If this sounds like your marriage, you may be asking: Do we just need to work […]
Enhancing Your Relationship Through Self-Care, Together: A Mutual Journey to Well-being
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that taking care of ourselves somehow takes away from our relationships. We’re often led to believe that the more we give and sacrifice, the better partners we are. But here’s the truth: neglecting our own well-being doesn’t make us better lovers or friends; it just leaves […]
How to Build Emotional Intimacy with Your Spouse: 3 Proven Ways to Feel Closer Than Ever
Exploring the Essence of Emotional Intimacy in Relationships Have you ever felt a subtle but persistent longing in your marriage—a sense that something important is missing, even though the love is still there? Often, that gap isn’t caused by a lack of affection, but by the absence of something deeper: emotional intimacy1. Emotional intimacy is […]
Rekindling the Spark: 5 Actionable Steps When You Love Your Spouse But Aren’t In Love
Navigating the Evolving Stages of Marriage When you first said “I do,” you likely found yourself in the enchanting honeymoon phase of marriage, where everything felt perfect, and your love seemed unshakeable. This blissful period, characterized by deep attraction and an overwhelming sense of unity, represents the first stage of a marital journey. However, as […]
When Your Spouse Avoids Relationship Talks: 5 Strategies to Encourage Open Dialogue
One of the most common frustrations couples share is: “My spouse shuts down when I try to talk about our relationship.” Silence can feel like rejection, but it usually doesn’t mean a lack of love. More often, withdrawal is a protective mechanism—a way to avoid vulnerability or conflict. Still, when one partner avoids relationship talks, […]
15 Positive Signs of a Healthy Marriage: Expert Insights from a Relationship Therapist
Celebrating the Strengths of Your Marriage: 15 Green Flags to Look For We often hear about red flags in relationships—the signs of distress or disconnection. But it’s just as important, if not more so, to recognize the green flags—the signs that your marriage is not just surviving, but thriving. After working with many couples over […]
What Really Works When Marriage Gets Hard? 3 Strategies Couples Need to Know Before Choosing Counseling
Marriage isn’t always smooth sailing. Some days you’re deeply connected, and other days you’re stuck in tension, wondering if things will ever get better. If you’ve been asking “What really works when marriage gets hard so we don’t turn into roommates instead of soulmates?”—you’re not alone. Studies show that most couples experience multiple rocky phases […]
Are You Really Incompatible—Or Just Stuck in Conflict? How to Tell the Difference
You didn’t get married expecting to feel this alone. The tension. The arguments over small things. The silence that lingers even when nothing is wrong. You start to wonder: “Are we just too different? Are we even compatible anymore?” It’s a painful question. But before you decide incompatibility is the issue, consider this: Most couples […]
Is Imago Therapy Right for You? Common Concerns, Contraindications, and Who It Helps Most
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) has helped thousands of couples around the world reconnect and heal. But like any therapeutic approach, it isn’t a perfect fit for every couple in every situation. If you’re considering Imago therapy, you might be wondering: 👉 What are its limitations?👉 When is it not recommended?👉 Who benefits most from it? […]
4 Romantic Waterfalls to Discover with Your Spouse in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste is the northwest province of Costa Rica boasting an abundance of breathtaking natural wonders like lagoons, volcanic formations, thermal springs, and of course otherworldly waterfalls. Scientists discovered that the negative ions that are emitted when water molecules collide create a sense of euphoria, making waterfalls one of the most romantic destinations for couples around […]
3 Hidden Beaches to Explore with Your Spouse on Your Retreat’s Rest Days in Costa Rica
We’ve been hosting couples at marriage counseling retreats in Costa Rica for a few years now. During our time here we’ve been fortunate enough to discover some hidden beaches that you can discover with your husband or wife on your retreat’s rest days. We’re talking a pink sand beach, a hidden beach you must know […]
Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin’s Recent News Contributions and Online Features
Browse some of Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin’s recent contributions and expert advice from columnists, journalists, and reporters. Need to interview a licensed, experienced marriage counselor? Fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page to request answers, advice, or expert information about a topic related to couples therapy. We’re also happy to verify facts […]
Enhancing Emotional Connection in Your Relationship by Creating Meaningful Moments
Feel Like Your Partner Doesn’t Do Anything Special for You? Here’s How to Reconnect Emotionally — One Moment at a Time You don’t want fancy things.You just want to feel like your partner sees you. You want to feel cared for, remembered, appreciated — not just someone who shares a house or raises kids with […]
Recognizing the Four Horsemen in Your Marriage And How to Turn Things Around – According to Gottman
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is a biblical metaphor that John Gottman adapted to describe four destructive communication patterns that predict divorce with high accuracy¹. Recognizing these behaviors—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—is crucial if you want to prevent them from eroding the foundation of your relationship². How to Recognize, Anticipate, and Mitigate Destructive Behavior […]
What are Divorce Prevention Retreats?
Has the health of your marriage relationship spiraled out of control? If you feel that you are on the brink of splitting up with your spouse our divorce prevention retreats can help. The goal of our intensive marriage retreats is to prevent divorce by helping you and your spouse reconnect and bring back the spark […]
Wife Yells at Me: Why & How to Make it Stop
Does your wife yell or scream at you often? If the behavior is relatively new, there may be an unresolved issue or point of contention that needs to be addressed together. If the yelling is chronic, it’s important to know that this behavior is both unproductive and damaging to your relationship. Research shows that frequent […]
Trauma Dumping in Relationships: Signs, Causes & How to Overcome It
You care about each other—but lately your conversations feel one‑sided. You’re sharing painful details again and again, and your partner seems drained. Or maybe you’re on the receiving end, dreading “that look” when your spouse starts recounting every traumatic detail. This quiz will help you see whether you’ve crossed the line from healthy venting into […]
Why Presenting a United Front with your Husband or Wife is So Important for a Healthy Relationship
The most sacred vow a person can make in marriage is to honor their union for the rest of their lives. Presenting a united front is the simplest example of this unification. When two different people create a life together there will eventually be disagreements and differences of opinion along the way. Healthy conflict is […]