Couples Counseling – Melting the Ice

There are many reasons why a relationship that was once loving becomes distant and full of conflict. Recent research in marital therapy indicates that there are certain behaviors identified in physiological tests and videos that are predictive of divorce and marital misery. By the same token, couples can learn new ways to interact that will engender positive affect (i.e., good feelings) which is predictive of stable, happy couples. In marital therapy, couples have the opportunity to transform negative interactions (such as distancing and arguing) and lack of positive interactions (such as, affection and acknowledgement) into a renewed sense of intimacy and compassion. Couples counseling offers a safe place where deep core issues from the past that block the heart can be explored. You can learn and experience new ways to “melt the ice” and be truly open to your partner.

What do you want your relationship to look like? To feel like? What would it be like to have the relationship of your dreams?

Out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing
There is a field
I’ll meet you there

RUMI

For more information on couples counseling:

» California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, www.camft.org

» Gottman, John, (1994) Why Marriages Succeed or Fail. NY: Simon and Schuster, www.gottman.com

» Real, Terrence, (2007) The New Rules of Marriage, www.terryreal.com

» Markman, Howard, Staley, Scott, Blumberg, Susan, (1994) Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving Love, Jossey-Bass Pub., San Francisco, CA, www.love-track.com

» Rosenberg, Marshall, (1999) Non Violent Communication: A Language of Compassion, Puddle Dancer Press, Encinitas, CA, www.cnvc.org