Effective communication is the bedrock of any healthy relationship, yet many couples find themselves struggling with common communication issues. 

Whether it’s defensiveness, criticism, or unmet mutual expectations, these pitfalls can create distance, erode trust, and weaken the connection between partners. 

As a marriage and family therapist, , I’ve worked with many couples who unknowingly fall into these patterns.

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, yet discussing past resentments can be one of the most challenging conversations couples face. 

Unresolved feelings often linger beneath the surface, eroding trust and emotional intimacy over time. When left unaddressed, they can lead to misunderstandings and growing distance which can be painful and create more intense feelings of negativity over time. 

However, by employing effective communication techniques, partners can navigate these difficult discussions and strengthen their bond.

Marriage is a beautiful journey that couples embark upon together that is filled with moments of joy, challenges and growth. One of the critical aspects that can significantly impact the health of a marriage is finances. 

Do you struggle feeling comfortable talking about money with your partner? Have you made some financial mistakes in the past that you are afraid to bring up to your significant other?

Financial health in marriage goes beyond just balancing accounts and saving; it encompasses communication, mutual understanding and shared decision-making. 

Do you struggle with having your needs met from either your partner, friend or family members?

Did you know that simply requesting help may not be enough and that there is a different approach that can help elicit some much needed change?

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Maggie Zofkie, LPC, NCC teaches us the difference between giving a request, a boundary and an ultimatum for when you are feeling a disconnect and which approach will help you be heard the first time around.

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Do you find yourself comparing your relationship to those you see in the movies?

Maybe you have expectations of your partner based on some of your favorite romantic fairytales.

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Irene Schreiner, LMFT sheds light on some of the relationship myths that exist and explains how real life relationships should be viewed differently!

Let’s dive into a topic that many might shy away from – intimacy in relationships, and the unique challenges it presents when chronic pain enters the picture. 

Intimacy is a vital element that weaves emotional connections and mutual fulfillment into the fabric of a relationship. But what happens when chronic pain becomes an uninvited guest? That’s what I’m here to help you better understand!

Let’s explore the complexities and discover ways to maintain that deep connection despite the challenges.

Do you and your partner struggle with resolving disagreements you have with one another?

Maybe the same argument keeps reoccurring and you both can’t seem to see eye to eye with one another!

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Maggie Zofkie, LPC, NCC sheds light on how to best resolve conflict with your partner!

Do you go out of your way to help your partner feel thought of, loved and supported?

If not; you may not be putting in the time and effort to nurture your relationship.

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Robyn Ashbaugh, LMFT shares with us the importance of intentionality in your relationship!

Have you ever let your relationship go by the wayside due to all the hats you wear? Maybe you’ve been working extra hard at your job, putting all of your time into your kids or simply haven’t been prioritizing your partner. In this month’s Therapy Moment, Sarah Davidson, MA, MFT shares with us the importance of creating checkpoints with your partner and how it can benefit your relationship!

Have you noticed a decrease in your sex life as you’ve gotten older? Maybe the intimacy with your partner has taken a backseat now that you’ve been together a long time or you just haven’t prioritized it like you once have.

Sex does not need to stop when you get older. Many people assume that it does, or that desire eventually fades, but that could not be further from the truth.

Do you expect your partner to "complete you" and meet all of your needs at any given moment?

If so; you aren't alone!

In this month's Therapy Moment, Irene Schreiner, LMFT shares with us the importance of having proper expectations of your partner so that you can be successful in your relationship.

Plus learn why meeting some of your needs outside of your relationship will actually make it stronger.

Have you or your partner ever felt like you were just going around and around within conflict, and no resolution appeared to be in sight? 

If so; you aren’t alone!

There is a chance that you could be struggling to navigate opposing attachment styles that are stuck in the “negative cycle” of understanding one another. 

As you read that, you may wonder what exactly is “The Negative Cycle”?

Have you found over time that your physical touch with your partner has started to decline? Maybe you've found yourself stuck in the role of mom/dad and you haven't prioritized your partner. Or maybe the daily grind has made it so you aren't investing time back into your relationship to create the need for physical touch with one another.

In this month's Therapy Moment, Robyn Ashbaugh, LMFT shares the "gears of touch" and how it can help improve your intimacy with your partner!

Has your partner ever told you that you aren't hearing what they are saying or are invalidating their feelings when experiencing an argument?

Oftentimes, when people are told that they reply with "that wasn't my intent to make you feel that way" when discussing conflict.

The problem with that reply is that it doesn't totally resolve the issue at hand nor the impact it has on the other person.

Have you ever sat there and just thought about both how different you are from your partner, but also about the common ground you share? 

Have you wondered if the differences could break you? 

Do you wonder if your attraction to your partner is because of the similarities or the differences? 

Spring has finally arrived and many of us are excited for the warmer weather coming our way

During the winter months days are shorter which results in us getting significantly less sun exposure. This can lead to an increase in the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. This means that we are more likely to feel tired, lethargic and lack motivation.

spring can be a great time to start implementing new habits because it’s time to start using the energy that we are getting back and get rid of that "blah" feeling. 

Have you ever felt disconnected from your partner? 

Feeling more physically connected can be a bridge to improving that emotional connection as well, and a lot of times, the physicality in a relationship can be a lot less daunting than the emotional. 

Ever sit there and wonder, “how did we get here?”, “how did I change?”, “how did my partner change?” If so; you are not alone!

It’s incredibly common for relationships to evolve and change over time. Sometimes those changes can cause a rift in the relationship and I’m here to help you understand how that may have happened.