Relationships in the Raw: Tips to build healthy communication

Many couples have the stress with finances and struggle to keep the marriage securely attached.  Marriage needs to be nurtured, similar to growing a flower.  It needs sun light, water, nutrients from the soil, and time to grow.
A few years back, my husband was in school and I was starting my therapy practice.  We didn’t [...]

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The holidays are time for family get-togethers, enjoying family and friends, laughing, and exchanging gifts.  But some families aren’t that lucky…and they get stuck with a “Scrooge.”   It can be exhausting to be around pessimistic comments, hearing the views of holidays as bad, or being told about “what isn’t right.” These ongoing negative comments [...]

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Separating work and home can be simple for most people. They go to work, handle stressful situations, manage their frustrations, interact with co-workers, and then leave the stress at the job site. Home is like a venting place; complain to the partner, share daily stories, talk about annoying coworkers, or even use [...]

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Several summers ago my husband I went to a local ski resort (yes, in the summer) where we went up the lifts, and then down the tails on our mountain bikes. It was a beautiful vista, with a bright clear sky, wind blowing at our face, and nature surrounding us. It was a beautiful day. [...]

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We all know the story. On your wedding day, you are absolutely in love with your soon to be spouse. Most couples often feel a sense of absolute happiness, love, connection, and excitement. You may not look back on your wedding day with those exact feelings… but the next part of this story may [...]

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A commonly known advice for relationships is for couples to never go to bed angry.  This idea has such a great value.  It addresses the idea of how couples may feel if going to bed angry, such as feeling emotionally disconnected and unattached, or fear of having unresolved issues getting in the way.  This advice is [...]

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Many people are worrying about finances and are facing economic struggles. Quite frequently when finances drop, so does the relationship satisfaction. Don’t be part of that. If your bank account is dwindling, it is more important than ever to keep your relationship strong.
Keep your relationship strong while your finances are in stress:

Be sensitive to your [...]

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What messages do you send to your partner in the bed?  Do you send the message that you are open for intimacy?  Do you show that you care?
Take a look at what non-verbal messages you send to your partner. Think about how they might respond.
If you are finding that you and your partner aren’t conneting, [...]

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Couples frequently come for psychotherapy saying that they want “healthier communication.” But what does that really mean? All of these high functioning, business oriented, goal driven couples communicate to one another; they talk, express how they feel, and continue to discuss ongoing issues. They tend to regurgitate the problem over and over, they reshape the [...]

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Stay Connected to your partner!  Make your relationship become more manageable through your communication.  Healthy communication creates a healthy and lasting partnership.  Learn how to improve your communication in marriage counseling.  Click here to schedule an appointment with Jennine Estes, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern.  

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