Posts in Couples
The Power of Self-Compassion: A Key Ingredient for Being a Good Partner

In the realm of relationships, we often focus on how we can be good partners to our loved ones. However, an important but often overlooked aspect of being a good partner is cultivating self-compassion. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially in times of struggle or failure.

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Navigating the Empty Nest

As a parent, watching your children leave for college can be both exciting and emotional. It’s a time of transition that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. While you’re proud of your children and excited for their new journey, you may also feel anxious about your own transition into an empty nest. Preparing for this change can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.

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Marriage Readiness Checklist

Marriage is a major life decision, and it's natural to feel uncertain about whether we are ready for it or not. It's a commitment that involves two individuals and their families, and it can impact their lives in significant ways. While there is no fixed age or timeline for marriage, it's essential to consider various factors before taking the leap.

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Relationship Coaching vs. Couples Therapy: What's the Difference?

Readers who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship may be wondering what type of help would be the best for their specific needs. Should they seek out relationship coaching, or is couples therapy a better option?

While both approaches aim to help couples improve their relationships, there are some key differences between relationship coaching and couples therapy that you should be aware of before making a decision.

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Supporting Your Partner After Sexual Violence

Finding out that your partner has experienced sexual violence is a difficult reality to face. A myriad of emotions may flood you from shock, rage, despair, and helplessness. It can be hard to handle all of those feelings, especially when you feel the pressure of being your partner’s “rock.” After all, they are the ones who experienced this violence directly. However, it is important to understand: this affects you  too. It’s okay to have your own needs and emotions about it. In fact, there is a term for loved ones who are  supporting a survivor of sexual assault: secondary survivors.

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Everything you need to know about the 5 Erotic Blueprints this Valentines Day

In relationships, committed love and erotic desire are two very different things. If you ask your partner what committed love is, they could give you an answer. But, if asked what erotic desire is, what would they say? As therapists, we often see couples who have neglected the eroticism in their relationships, redirecting it or shutting it down altogether. We are given many models of committed love in our lives, but when looking for that “spark” to heat things up we often miss the mark.

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10 Romantic Winter Dates for couples in the Triangle

The winter months can be a stressful time with the holidays, end of year wrap ups at work and school, and just generally being cooped up inside more. During this high stress period, it’s even more important to be conscious about spending some quality time with your partner. Below, you’ll find a list of 10 date ideas that embrace this time of year and promote connection with your special someone. Whether you like to stay home and warm or would rather have a little adventure, these are sure to create lasting memories together!

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The importance of mindfulness during the Holiday season

On top of your already busy life, you have holiday-related tasks to attend to. Thus, leaving you with so much to do and so little time to do it.

You may have noticed your stress level rising. You may have also become irritable, and you’re snapping at the people around you. Or, you’ve lost sleep worrying about everything that has to get done before the holidays arrive.

Regardless, you’re overwhelmed and are pushed to your limit. You need to do something fast to offset your holiday stress.

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Four Simple Tips for Newlyweds

Now that you’ve tied the knot, are you feeling curious about what the first year of marriage will be like? During this time, you and your spouse will be setting the foundation for the coming years of your life together. We recommend you take this time to properly blend your individual lifestyles together and learn how to live and navigate life as a cohesive team.

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Why the Little Things Matter

Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” —Winnie the Pooh

This is where we can set ourselves apart from others and this day; by doing the little things every day to make our partner feel what we aspire them to feel on Valentine’s Day. It’s the small things done often that make the biggest impact in our relationships. When I say ‘the little things,’ I truly mean the little things.

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Romantic Fall Couple Getaways in North Carolina

A romantic vacation is a valuable tool for affirming the bond between couples. A change in the physical environment can put a new perspective on a relationship. In a healthy relationship, every new experience will add depth to the shared meaning of you and your partner. Here are a few romantic getaways in North Carolina that will enrich any relationship.

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Can Couples Therapy Be Effective When My Partner Isn't On Board?

It's not always when both partners agree to take a specific route in their relationship. For instance, a wife might feel like they need couple's therapy while the husband doesn't see things that way. This presents a challenging situation. If you are faced with this dilemma, you might want to know whether or not couples therapy will work if one partner isn't on board. Read on to find out more.

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What is EMDR Therapy and How Can it Help My Marriage?  

Keep what’s most important to you. Using EMDR is a proven way to improve your relationships.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that helps people self-manage and heal from memories of disturbing and traumatic life experiences that cause disruption in their lives long after the disturbing or traumatic experiences have happened.

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How Gottman Couples Therapy Can Affair Proof Your Marriage?

The revelatory Science of Adult Attachment explores early development dynamics, which suggest that your marital relationship is the first child of your partnership and, when suspicions of infidelity arise, it can be a sign that your shared ward has given rise to an unspoken, inarticulate cry of abandonment. The Sound Relationship House Theory, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, provides deep insights into the nine common factors that can either lead to an affair or point to one in progress.

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