It is common for cycles of conflict to emerge in relationships. These patterns can show up around certain topics like money, sex, or parenting. Or they can be covert by showing up at what feels like unexpected times. If recurring conflict often ends with further emotional injury, underlying emotions and needs are likely not effectively… Read More »Break the Cycle of Conflict
Couples therapy offers a space to build the safety necessary to thrive in one’s relationship. It provides opportunities to name emotions, express needs, and better understand what is happening for each partner during interactions. It is a place to address how, when, and why conflict is occurring. Or perhaps why there are barely any interactions… Read More »What is Couples Therapy?
This question of “How do we fight fair?” is often asked in couples therapy. Below are some common questions and answers about the purpose and frequency of conflict. Ways to approach and resolve conflict that lessens emotional injury and promotes connection are also discussed. Is fighting good for a relationship? Fighting, or conflict, or most… Read More »How to Fight Fair
Much like a bid at an auction being an offer for an item, a bid within a relationship is an offer for connection. It is a reach for acknowledgment, reassurance, or validation. For this article, I will focus on partners, however, bids also relate to families, friends, and our communities. What do bids look or… Read More »Bids for Connection
We cannot move past an argument or even begin to start solving our issues until both or all sides have heard and felt heard by the other(s). It is not uncommon for us to enter into a discussion, argument, or conflict already with our feathers ruffled and ready to persuade the other party that we… Read More »Connecting Through Continual Conflict
Recharge the Relationship Did you know that on average, it takes about 6 years for couples to attend couples therapy after initially considering it [1]? Oftentimes, this means it might have been helpful before therapy was even mentioned. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Much like our yearly wellness exams with our primary… Read More »Why Couples Therapy is Underrated