VivahBandhanWhere relationship starts

Intimacy can seem like an elusive thing. It’s that certain bond or closeness that you share with only your partner. The stronger that bond, the more “lasting power” a relationship has. But like many aspects of a marriage, there is an “ebb and flow” element to it. It’s important to recognize this in order to withstand times when you’re not feeling so connected with your partner. Of course, if its chronic and long-lasting, its helpful to seek the advice of a couples counselor. Read the rest of this entry »

Some couples are advised to obtain couples counseling prior to marriage. Its a good way to ascertain the couple’s dynamic and do some preventative work on their communication skills. Such was the case of Larry and Gail, who were both in their early 20’s and soon to be wed.

After several sessions of couples counseling, Gail had this to say: Read the rest of this entry »

Estra and Tommy entered couples counseling so they could address some longstanding problems that neither had been contending with. Tommy was constantly working and rarely spent any “quality time” with Estra and she had grown to resent this. Problem being, she felt like this for the last 10 years. When asked why they hadn’t entered marital counseling before, Estra had this to say: Read the rest of this entry »

Nothing can rock a marriage or a relationship to the core more than a betrayal. Whether its an affair, a lie, a series of lies; all spell broken trust. Some couples can’t recover from the hurt and pain while others take years to heal and release the mistrust. Marriage counseling is a helpful way to regain that lost trust since the counselors are trained specifically in this area. It’s often hard to see the forest through the trees, if you are a couple going it alone. A trained counselor can navigate the tricky waters of complicated feelings that surround betrayal. Read the rest of this entry »

Many couples who are preparing to get married seek counseling prior to their marriage as part of their church’s request. It’s a smart move, before starting a life together. A professional couples counselor can evaluate the couple’s communication skills and spot some “trouble areas” before they become problematic. Read the rest of this entry »

Marie, a spouse of 15 years, had this to say about her couples counseling experience:

I love Tom. Obviously or I wouldn’t have stayed with him so long. But I stopped liking him and that I couldn’t shake. Tom used to be an idealistic hippie-type, always talking about Mother Earth and freedom for all people. While sometimes it got annoying, it was always an aspect of him I really loved. Read the rest of this entry »

A miscarriage is devastating, for men and women. We have to grieve separately because it impacts us differently. We also have to grieve together. Having children is a hope and dream of many couples and when we lose a child, we face heartbreak head on. Marriage counseling can help couples deal with the sorrow and avoid issues of blame, guilt, regret, and deal with issues of depression and anxiety that may come in tow. Read the rest of this entry »

In this day and age, most of us try to integrate some sort of fitness regime into our lives. Some may work out methodically at a local gym while others take on a leisurely stroll after a meal. But the majority recognize the importance of exercise and fitness when it comes to our physical health and longevity.

Interestingly enough, we often don’t feel the same way when it comes to the relationships in our life; that they need a certain “tending to” in order to flourish and survive. Most of us develop a certain complacency when it comes to our deepest interpersonal connections, figuring they’ll just stay happily in autopilot. Read the rest of this entry »

Jealousy comes in many forms. It isn’t always about another man–or woman. We can be jealous of our spouse’s career, friendships, or family. We don’t think about it, but we experience jealousy more often than we care to admit. For some, jealousy can destroy their relationship. Marriage counseling can help couples share their feelings honestly–and find ways to deal with that green-eyed monster.

Eric and Kathy have been struggling with jealousy. Eric is from a big family, with five brothers who all live nearby. The guys have regular fishing weekends and sporting events. In fact, most weekends Eric can be found with one or more of his brothers. Kathy has learned to request at least one weekend night or time for just the two of them. Read the rest of this entry »

Is an emotional affair as devastating on a marriage as a “sexual” affair? It can be, but that doesn’t mean a couple can’t heal. An emotional affair usually means that there is a level of emotional intimacy, but they have not engaged in sexual intimacy. Marriage counselors are helping couple deal with issues of infidelity whether they stem from an online relationship, an old friendship, or a work-related affair. Read the rest of this entry »