Author Archive
The Affair You Don’t Know You’re Having
Emotional affairs are dangerous and can have dire consequences for you and your partner. Read this account that illustrates how one woman slowly crossed the line and didn’t see it until it was too late.
Is Diminishing Sex Drive a Problem?
When couples lose their sexual connection it often has a negative impact on the relationship. This slideshow on
The Magic 5-1 Ratio
The marital and relationship expert, John gottman, is known for his 5-1 ratio of positive to negative statements between partners as a necessity in marital or relationship harmony. This ratio can predict the success or failure of a relationship. Gottman arrives at his conclusions from a longitudinal study that uses videotapes of real couple interactions [...]
Easy Skill for Relationship Repair
Real relationships go through cycles of harmony, disconnection and repair. Hopefully those cycles will become gentle slopes and not peaks and valleys as partners learn the skills of relationship repair. One essential skill is communicating relationally where the intention is, not just expressing your point of view, but repairing a disconnect with your partner. The [...]
Love and Brain Chemistry
There’s a interesting post on web MD which explains the changes in brain chemistry when one is “in love”. The rise in dopamine and serotonin that contribute to the feelings of well-being can alternate with the release of the stress hormone, cortisol, explaining the up and down mood changes. One of the researchers states that [...]
5 Quick Strategies to Stop Conflict
1. Answer only “yes” or “no” until there is a break in the conversation where you can ask for time out to lower the emotional intensity. 2. Have a “time-out” signal that you and your partner agree that you will both observe without negative judgements of each other. 3. Negotiate a time to talk when [...]
Bringing Back the Erotic Charge
One of the most common situations that comes up in therapy sessions is when one partner’s desire for sex is much lower than the other’s. Many times this happens when couples have been together for some time and have gotten into a lifestyle that is routine and perhaps, child centered. When there’s a lot of [...]
The Overwhelming Hurt of Infidelity
Many clients contact me after they’ve found out that their partner or spouse has been unfaithful. This is obviously a very difficult and painful time. Most clients say that it’s the most difficult challenge they’ve had to face. There is such a flood of emotions and the person who used to provide support is the [...]
Facebook and the Green-eyed Monster
Does Facebook contribute to jealousy and other relationship problems? The answer according to recent research studies says that it does. How can one use social networking and not experience problems in their primary relationship. Open communication is key. Let your partner know who you’re communicating with. Don’t use facebook in a way that it functions [...]
Sex Mistakes – For Men and Women
When couples are having relationship problems it often affects their sexual relationship. Anger and resentment can lead to withdrawl. When a couple hasn’t been sexually active for some time it gets more and more difficult to re-establish a physical connection. There’s some good tips on maintaining a healthy sexual relationship on the website Web MD. [...]
