You hear the statement all the time. . . “Relationships are tough.” That’s right, they are. However, what makes them tough varies so significantly from one relationship to another that knowing the answer to the important question that plagues so many relationships is often hard to answer:
“How can we fix this?”
As a clinical psychologist working with couples and individuals coming to therapy to answer this exact question, the answer depends on the couple, their history, what is causing their disconnect, and what they hope to see change. Over time, I have noticed patterns in relationships that emerge, often resulting in one another drifting apart.
Resentment. Anger. Hopelessness. Disconnection. Distrust. Hurt.
With these patterns, I have come to learn approaches to treatment that seem to facilitate deeper connection, patience, forgiveness, and compassion for one another.
Each of these approaches to treatment stem from research, my training as a psychologist, integration of couples counseling approaches to treatment, and my own observations through working with couples in community mental health, college counseling settings, and private practice.
This blog is titled “relationship uplift” for a reason. Everyone tells us that healthy relationships take work, and this is true. However, by the time someone enters my office, their relationship is often close to ending. I wanted to create content so that readers can continuously work towards improvement and uplift their relationship to a higher level of connection, intimacy, patience, and respect.
Because the work is continuous, I wanted to create a blog because relationships never stop working toward improvement. You don’t just wake up one day and say, “my relationship has no room for growth.” With that, I wanted a blog that is never ending so to speak. It isn’t a book that you read and check off your list. It’s evolving and changing over time, constantly working towards the value of a healthy and meaningful relationship.
This blog is tailored towards prevention. I don’t want to see you have to come to my office or any office for someone focusing on couples counseling. My hope is that through this blog, you will have tips, support, direction, and guidance to move your relationship in a positive direction and uplift one another. I hope you enjoy the journey.