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.

Do you struggle with grief especially around the holidays?

The holidays are filled with memories and traditions which often magnify the loss of a loved one.

In this month's Therapy Moment, Maggie, Zofkie, LPC, NCC provides some great tips on how to get through the holiday season when you are feeling sadness from grief.

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.

Do you struggle with setting healthy boundaries?

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Robyn Ashbaugh, LMFT shares with us a tip on how to create effective boundaries with those around you to help protect your peace!

For a lot of individuals and couples, making the choice to initiate the therapeutic process can be difficult. For couples, this may include the resistance of one partner and commitment from the other partner.  For individuals, minimizing or denying issues and concerns can make this a difficult decision. 

I have found that if a person or a couple has a hunch that therapy could be a helpful tool, then trust your gut.

Do you struggle relaxing and managing your stress levels?

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Victoria Mahoney, ALMFT shares with us a tool to help increase feelings of relaxation and to better manage stress!

Life is a journey of navigating emotional landscapes, where understanding our internal processes can make a significant difference in our well-being. 

Two common ways people handle challenging situations are rumination and processing. 

While these terms might sound similar, they represent fundamentally different approaches to dealing with our thoughts and emotions. Understanding the distinction between rumination and processing can be crucial in fostering mental health and emotional resilience. 

Do you struggle with signing off from work once the day is over?

Does your family notice that you aren’t fully present with them during your time off work?

With access to email and phone calls wherever you go, it is common for people to struggle with turning off “work-mode” and spending quality time being fully present with their family.

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Sarah Davidson, MFT, LPC provides tips to provide a better work/life balance!

When you lay your head down at night do you ever find yourself wondering what your purpose or meaning is in life?

Maybe your life path didn’t go as planned or you find yourself no longer passionate about the same things you once did when you were younger.

Finding purpose and meaning in life is not just about grand revelations or cosmic alignments. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, diving into what makes you tick and having a little fun along the way. 

Do you shut down, get defensive or struggle when dealing with conflict?

If so; you aren’t alone! Many people don’t think clearly when they are dealing with an argument or something that triggers them.

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Kevin Saurer, LPC, NCC provides the D.D.D. tool that can help you best handle conflict without regret.

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.

Do you ever feel caught up in the chaos of your busy schedule?

Do you find yourself constantly going to events or making time for activities that maybe are not very important to you? Or do you find yourself overwhelmed by the thoughts and opinions of others?

Are you often wondering, am I doing this because I want to do it or am I doing it for other people?

If so; you aren’t alone! There are a lot of people that feel the same way!

Something that can help to take a step back and reset can be identifying your values.

I have considered emotional connections in relationships for the past few weeks as it is a topic that comes up with almost every couple that I work with.  Along with communication, this is the most common issue that comes up when couples are seeking marital therapy with me. 

It has been well-researched that good communication is a foundation that supports solid emotional connection, but how does the process work? 

What ingredients may be included in creating emotional attachments, and what happens if those steps are skipped or deteriorate over time? 

Do you ever have a bad day and struggle with how to not let your mood effect everyone you come into contact with?

Maybe you feel scared, anxious, depressed or even angry over something that happened and struggle with how to overcome those negative emotions.

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Robyn Ashbaugh, LMFT provides a tool on how to implement self care into your daily routine which can help especially when you are experiencing a difficult day!

When facing any situation in life, there will be various kinds of barriers that hold people back and various advantages that will propel people forward. 

Can you relate?

I know I certainly can!

Some of the factors that determine barriers or advantages are external to people, such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, and access to readily available resources. 

However, a big determining factor in barriers or advantages comes down to the mindset one has when facing any situation. 

Do you have an untold story that you feel is holding you back from living your best life? Maybe it’s trauma you’ve experienced, pain or shame that you’ve been afraid to talk to with other people.

In this month’s Therapy Moment, Victoria Meeks, ALMFT reminds us that therapy is an excellent place where you can come tell your untold story to someone who won’t judge and who will listen and help encourage you to find new freedom from what you may be fearing.

Growth is a personal journey, a unique expedition for each of us. Within the context of your  life, it can look like a changed behavior, new actions, or increased insight. 

But growth isn’t always a linear progression along a neat and tidy path. Often, it requires us to step into discomfort, to confront the unfamiliar, and to challenge the status quo of our lives. 

Yet, within that discomfort lies the potential for transformative growth, leading us to discoveries that leave us feeling more fulfilled and alive than ever before.