Showing posts with label couples counseling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label couples counseling. Show all posts

Friday, February 12, 2016

Common Misconceptions In Going to a Therapist/Counselor/Psychotherapist

Common Misconceptions of going to a Therapist/Counselor/PsychotherapistThe thought of going to therapy can be scary and perhaps intimidating, which is normal. There are several misconceptions about going to therapy that we would like to outline to hopefully ease some of your anxieties about getting started.

1) You will be expected to lay down on the couch and talk about all your deepest darkest secrets

Most therapist offices these days have a couch (to sit on); or chairs to sit on; and you will usually be sitting facing each other. Trained Psychoanalysts conducting traditional psychoanalysis will have a patient lay down on a couch while the psychoanalyst will be sitting behind him or her listening. That type of therapy is quite different than the general psychotherapy I am referring to in this article. In therapy, you share what you are comfortable with sharing at the given time; the therapist knows to go at a pace you are comfortable with and understands building a relationship that feels safe takes time.


2) Your therapist has all the answers.

Surprise! No training in the world could offer anyone the solutions to every patients problems/concerns. In fact, most well trained therapists rather than give you answers, will help you develop tools and come to your own solutions with his/her help. In addition you can and will learn ways of managing on your own more effectively.

3) Only those who are "crazy" seek therapy.

No. No, and no. Seeking therapy and help for a mental health disorder, crisis, or to improve self in various ways is seen as a strength. It is actually quite brave and healthy (not crazy) to be willing to seek help/therapy. People go to therapy for so many different reasons including relationship concerns, grief/loss,to improve self esteem/confidence, difficulty in decision making, change of life events, and sometimes just to have an objective person to talk with. Often our cultural beliefs, societal, and family beliefs play into our personal beliefs about counseling.


4) I had a bad experience in therapy, why would I bother trying again?

Unfortunately there are times when one might try therapy and find that there is not that "right fit" with the therapist.  It can be painful to start with a therapist, allow yourself to be vulnerable to then find that the counselor you started with is not the best fir for you. Starting over with a new therapist can be difficult, but often significant for your best experience in therapy. Sometimes you might need to check out a few different professionals to find a therapist who will be supportive in a way that is going to be most helpful for you. It does take more energy to do that work, but in the end the right fit can make all the difference and feel worth it.


5) I don't need a therapist...I have friends/family/partner/co-workers to talk to.

Friends are great to have and even better to be able to share with especially when conflicts arise in your personal life. A therapist is an objective person who wants ultimately the best for you and may help you see things about yourself that perhaps your friend is not willing to share with you.

Overall, therapy/counseling can seem like a mysterious experience with a lot of misconceptions out there about the process in general. If you have been considering therapy or feel like you may want to give yourself the opportunity to try to get help reaching out is the first (and big!) step. If you have any questions about our services feel free to contact us as we would be pleased to talk with you. You can reach us at www.HealingLLC.com or by calling 240-274-5680 or emailing Admin@HealingLLC.com.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Changing how we make New Years Resolutions and adding more compassion...

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Mindful Decluttering and Organizing, LLC

Guest Post by Amy Hooper from Another Look at Healing


As this year nears its end and we look ahead to 2016, what if, instead of thinking about our resolutions, we challenge ourselves to view the different aspects of our lives as part of a broader journey toward greater personal growth?
If we ask ourselves questions such as: How can I be kinder to myself? How can I ask more for what I want and need? And how can I communicate my feelings with others more effectively? Then we’re thinking about the things in life that lead to healthier living. Taking the time to figure out these issues is no easy task, so we at Another Look at Healing, Counseling and Wellness Center would like to offer several tips to help you along your journey - so stay tuned for our next post!
1. Take reasonable steps. You want to match your personality, skill set, strengths and weaknesses to the goals you’re setting. And make sure the goals are not too big or too small. This way, the chances of disappointment are decreased, and your motivation increased by achieving what you have set for yourself to accomplish.
2. Set clear goals. The more you can identify and clarify your goals, the more motivated you will become to achieve them. For example, write down specific lists of exactly what you want to accomplish, and then break it down into tangible, practical steps.
3. Use your senses. See, hear, and feel what it’s like to have that thing or person you so desire. Visualizing your goals may inspire you to achieve them!
4. Your goals are yours and not someone else’s. Your goals need to resonate with who you are and what you’re capable of. Focusing on what someone else has or what someone else can do can impose a lot of stress without much joy. Keep our #1 tip in mind here!
5. Balance. Balance. Balance. Sticking to one area of your life too much and for too long while ignoring other areas may backfire, so be aware of your priorities, and look at your life in the long term as well as short with a sense of moderation.
6. Finally, your actions speak louder than your words. When you respect your word (whether thinking to yourself or talking aloud) and follow through with your actions, you build a sense of trust within yourself that helps you become stronger, more determined and more you. This season, look inside to find the wisest part of you for the answers of what you want to accomplish this next year.
If you would like some support in order to be kinder and more compassionate with yourself, counseling can help. You can visit our website www.HealingLLC.com or contact us at 240-274-5680 or Admin@HealingLLC.com with any questions or to schedule a counseling appointment.
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP, Director, Gaithersburg Counseling Center

Friday, February 27, 2015

Explore your Senses - Mindfulness leads to improved mood!


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Oh those five senses that we take for granted! - When's the last time you noticed the unique color of the sky? Or that cool breeze brushing up against your face? When walking from your car to the office, while grocery shopping, or running errands, walk with your senses. Notice the temperature, the unique scents, the beautiful colors, the people around you and everything happening in the moment.
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Oh that's delicious! We need to eat to survive and everyday we're luck to have decadent food that we're eating rushed, in front of the television, or in just plain autopilot. Let's try to eat with our senses. In autopilot we tend to rush with everything, inhaling food at our desk or in front of the TV. Instead, pay attention to each bite, the texture, tastes and feelings that come up. Notice how much you enjoy that particular snack or meal! Yum!

Meditation and Mood!
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Guided Meditation 
Search Podcasts or YouTube for quick guided meditations. During breaks at work or any time you feel like you need to slow down, these will help you get in touch with your body. And of course there are apps for it! Check out Stop, Breathe & Think, calm, or mindfulness daily.
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So many different moods!
If you find yourself getting mad or upset about something, stop and examine your mood. Ask the question, if I were feeling good right now, would I see this the same way? This helps you question that thought that popped in your mind!























If you are looking for support in making changes and growing the life you always wanted, feel free to contact us here at Another Look at Healing, LLC at 240-274-5680 or by emailing Admin@HealingLLC.com. Our website is www.HealingLLC.com for more details.

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, Director &
Dena Alalfey, Graduate Intern

Friday, January 30, 2015

Learn to Love Yourself - Practicing Mindfulness can help!

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After spending so much time focusing on others (kids, deadlines etc.), it's time to turn our attention inward to love ourselves! Let's work on getting rid of those negative thoughts that lead to feelings of insecurity and doubt. According to Healthy Place, a mental health channel, "mindfulness resources are scientifically proven to calm down your mind and slow down routine thinking patterns that lead to insecurities and low esteem." We want to invite you to take a look at a few Mindfulness practices that will help you get started. Read on for more information...

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Mindfulness exercises permit you to embody each experience as it is without judgment. We can let go of those negative thoughts and habituated behaviors with practice. In time, you’ll be able to see, feel, and explore your life without adding negative thoughts and insecurity to the narrative of your life story. You can let the past stay in the past and wait to worry about all the things that are on your future to do list. You can get off the autopilot living pattern and starting living in the NOW!
These simple practices put us in a calmer state of mind, so we can think more clearly and breathe easier. We are more focused and attentive to what is around us, which brings us more control over our bodies and our minds. By slowing down, we tend to have the opportunity to make better decisions and feel more confident in our choices. We also stop the emotional and psychological automatic thoughts and begin to create our new neural pathways to new ways of thinking. More positive ways of thinking and more realistic, in the moment, thoughts about ourselves and our world can emerge. Practicing mindfulness will not eliminate life’s obstacles. But, with practice, it can help us respond to them in a calmer, more effective manner. Once these skills are developed, the times that your insecurities would take over in the past, now become less intense. You begin to recognize these were habitual thoughts rather than facts or truths. Here's to letting your negative thoughts pass without distressing you and disrupting your day!CHEERS!
If you find yourself feeling more down or anxious than usual, let us know. It can be difficult to make life changes on your own, and you deserve support along the way. So, reach out if you would like to set up an appointment with one of our counselors. For more information, visit www.HealingLLC.com or contact us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com or 240-274-5680 with any questions.

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP, Director and Psychotherapist
Dena Alalfey, Graduate Intern
Another Look at Healing, LLC - Gaithersburg Counseling Center

Monday, June 30, 2014

Another Look at Healing, LLC - Gaithersburg Counseling Center Moved!

Come by and check out our new office in Gaithersburg, MD!!! We move into a beautiful new suite.
We are now offering daytime, evening and weekend counseling for individual, couples, family and group therapy. We help children, teens and adults live happier, healthier lives!

Contact me for more information at Admin@HealingLLC.com or 240-274-5680 or visit our website at www.HealingLLC.com.

Pictures to follow soon!!!

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC

Friday, March 28, 2014

How To Guide: Cultivate your Relationship this Spring

How to let your relationship grow this Spring...

Spring is officially here…. or so the calendar says it is!  Spring brings new life. The greys and browns of the earth turn to vibrant green and bloom with color. The grass emerges, the trees bud, the flowers bloom and almost as though a switch was flipped, our eyes are filled with the season’s telling of new potential and growth. Each year, relationships and marriages also deserve periods of growth and new life too.  Maybe your relationship feels dormant like the winter season and the longing for “spring” is due.  But, how is this possible?

Here are some things to consider:

Communicate:
It may also be good to think about and discuss these questions with your partner. Discussing these questions can help you both to spark your memory of why your relationship is important to you.  After the kids go to bed, spread out a tablecloth, light a candle, have some dessert and discuss:
When did you first meet?
What was your first date like?
When did you first talk about your relationship or possibly getting married?
What was your first home together like or the first place you lived?
What qualities attracted you most to the other?

Getting Support:
There are a number of marriage and couples conferences around the country ranging from a few hours on a Saturday to week-long getaways.  Instead of each of you being on your own phones, take some time with your loved one and look together to see if you can find a workshop that looks interesting and see if you can make one of those work for you. If a weekend feels like too big of a commitment, what about finding a couples counselor to help you reconnect and find joy in your relationship. If you want help finding a couples counselor to help you with any relationship issues, contact us at 240-274-5680 or email us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com.  

Loving relationships are worth seeking out a springtime and allowing for your relationship to grow with the changing of the season.

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Abbie Mortimer, Executive Assistant

Another Look at Healing, LLC - Counseling and Wellness Center for Women

Saturday, November 30, 2013

HANDLING RELATIONSHIP BUMPS - by Dr. Stephanie Buehler @ The Buehler Institute

It isn't the bumps--it's how you handle them that counts.  Here are some pointers for getting past conflict and returning to harmony: 
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  • After an argument, make sure that the issue has been resolved.  
  • What will be different in the future?  How will you make that happen?
  • If the conflict has passed and is resolved, forgive your partner, who is after all only human--just like you. 
  • And apologize.  Whether you started the conflict or helped it to escalate, take responsibility and say sorry. 
  • If it is an issue that doesn't have a good solution, accept the outcome with grace.
  • Don't use your ability to forgive to manipulate a partner or guilt trip them.   
  • Be assertive.  Stay with "I" statements when telling your partner how you are feeling and what you want going forward.
  • Plan to do something that fosters a feeling of togetherness.  This can be as simple as lying in spoons, or going on a date.
  • Learn to let go and move past conflict.  Holding onto feelings of anger can foster more conflict.   
Couples that are harmonious tend to have a better sex life.  The phrase is, "make love, not war," not "make war, hang onto bad feelings, and try to repair it with sex"!

Article written by:
Dr. Stephanie Buehler
The Buehler Institute

Thursday, June 27, 2013

When life hands you lemons…

You don’t have to make lemonade. You can make lemon bars, lemon cookies, or you don’t have to make anything at all! You can hold them, look at them, throw them, squeeze them, juggle them, give them away, peel them, or anything else you might imagine! In this day and age opportunities may seem endless, and while that might sound wonderful to some, the abundance of choices may lead others to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. So if lemonade sounds good to you, then start squeezing! Others may want to weigh out other options before deciding what to do with their lemons.

The great thing about life and choices is just that: you have the choice! YOU get to choose! So if that choice feels more like a trap ask yourself what are the possible best and worst anticipated outcomes? Usually, life falls somewhere in the middle.

If the choices feel too overwhelming or you want support dealing with stressful times, counseling can help. Email us today for more information at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com.

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC Counseling and Wellness Center for Women and Families

Monday, April 29, 2013

Are you a Mind Reader? Do you wish people knew what you wanted?



The mind-reading fantasy

“He should just know how it makes me feel when he does that!”
“She should know what that look on my face means by now.”

The fantasy of mind-reading in our relationships is a real wish for many people. What is it? You know when you expect your partner, parent, or friend just knew what to do or say? Or wish she knew just what you wanted for your birthday without having to spell it out? Mind-reading is the idea that your significant other always knows just what you think/feel/want/need and how to respond accordingly. The reality is, without asking, you may not know what she wants, and without her telling you, you really may not know. What you think, and what actually is happening in an others thoughts just might be two different realities.

What this comes down to is the desire one has for another to anticipate and meet his/her own needs. Sounds pretty basic, right? Well it can be.  Mature, healthy adults are responsible for having our own needs met; oftentimes in the communication to and with our partner.
What can you do? Start by being more aware of this kind of thought process of mind reading.  Take a moment and try and take a more global picture of the situation and see if you could be jumping to conclusions based on a possible false belief. Instead of assuming you think you know, ask. Ask for clarification. Take the opportunity to learn what your loved one wants and needs from you.

Save the mind reading for the fortune tellers…

Monday, March 25, 2013

The World's Most Important Relationship Tip


Excellent Article by Dr. Stephanie Buehler, Director, The Buehler Institute:

It isn't remembering your partner's birthday.  It isn't learning how to rub his or her neck just right.  It isn't remembering their favorite dish to order from the local Chinese place, either.

No, the world's most important relationship tip is as old as old can be:

Listen.

However, it's not that simple.  You have to listen on many different levels, all at once.  You have to listen in such a way that your partner feels heard.  You have to open your "third ear" and listen with passion, love, and wisdom.  You need to place all your attention on your partner's words and listen, not just to the literal meaning, but to all the shades of meaning underneath.

Have you ever had this dialogue:

Partner:  You're not listening to me.

You:  Yes, I am.

Partner:  No, you're not.

You:  Yes, I am.  (Repeat what partner says verbatim.)

Partner:  That's what I said, but it's not what I mean.  You don't get me at all!

You: (Scratching your head.)  Whatever!

In this exchange, the listening partner thinks they're all over it because they heard the words.  But they obviously missed a lot of information.  They missed their partner's tone of voice, their body language, and the feelings behind the words.

Your partner isn't simply a word-producing device, with sounds coming out of their throat and mouth that come from nowhere.  Your partner is a thinking, feeling human being.  When they need you to listen, really listen, they are speaking with the hope that they will be understood without having to spell out every single little detail.  If you are intimate partners, it is expected, at least to some extent, that you know your partner well enough that you understand the significance of what they are saying.

This type of exchange often happens when the listener is concrete.  That means they are very literal and focused on what is happening on the immediate present.  When someone is concrete, it means that they lack flexibility to understand that there is so much more going on.  It is like being tuned into one channel and not realizing that others exist.

Can you develop better skill as a listener?  As a matter of fact, yes!  Here are more tips to make the original tip even better.  For example, don't anticipate what your partner is going to say, and don't start creating a response until your partner has finished speaking.

While your partner is speaking, check in with yourself.  What emotional response do you get from their words?  Do you feel sad, upset, angry, amused, or confused?  Can you sense any tightness or other signal in your body, such as in your stomach?  And, what do you notice about your partner's face and body?  Are they tense?  Are their eyes wide open?  Or are they downcast?  What does this body language tell you about the importance of what they are saying?

Once your partner has spoken, check in.  Make sure you heard what they said.  Ask.  Then reflect.  How do you want to respond?

Try letting your partner know that you understand from their words that they might be feeling angry or distressed or whatever.  If you don't get the feeling behind their words just right, ask them to describe it to you.

Respond to the feeling first--very important!  That is what makes your partner feel heard.  Give your partner sympathy or whatever is required.  Even if you don't share their point of view, be patient.  Let your partner know they are as important to you as you are to yourself.

Only then can you begin to offer advice or to brainstorm, not before.

I think you will be amazed with the result.  You and your partner will feel more intimate.  You will fight less.  Your partner will feel more understanding toward you, as well.

Yes, the most important relationship skill is to listen.  The second most important relationship skill is how you speak to your partner--but that's for next month, stay tuned!

Monday, January 28, 2013

More Sex through Cooperation and Communication

A thought provoking article below by Dr. Stephanie Buehler, Director of The Buehler Institute.
Thought you would enjoy! - Amy Hooper, Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC 
Yes, Dear:  Sexy Words?  You Bet! 
Long ago, a friend told me his secret for a long and happy marriage, two little words that made a huge difference in his relationship.  Those two words were "Yes, dear."  I know, it seems so simplistic that you're wondering if you're going to spend the next 3-4 minutes of your life reading this article.  But hear me out.  There's actually science behind this.

John Gottman, an internationally renown psychologist and couples therapist, taped couples to detect patterns in those who stayed together, and those who split.  What he noticed is that cooperative couples tended to have the longest relationships.  For example, if a husband noticed his wife was cooking dinner (and vice versa), he would set the table without being asked.  A woman who asked her partner to empty the dishwasher would be told it would get done, and it would, without any discussion or argument.

More science:  Men who do chores get more sex.  It's true.  In a study of male partners, those who took out the trash got laid more often.  We might take it a step further and imagine that when asked to do such chores, instead of a groan, they responded by acting cooperatively.

Look, we all have tons of stuff to do.  We all have our pet peeves.  And we all want to get along.  When your partner asks you to do something, do you argue?  Do you think your partner is a nag?  Do you respond with, "Why don't you do it yourself?"  Do you cause a fight?  Do you criticize your partner for wanting you to get your wet teabags out of the sink or running your banana peel down the disposal?

Let's go a little further.  What do you suppose your partner thinks when, after asking you to do a few small things and getting barked at, when you come around looking for sex?  That's right, they don't feel like cooperating with you!

Maybe it's not little things, though.  Maybe it's big things, like where to live or whether or not to have children.  Such discussions still require cooperation, not a bulldozer.  In such cases, cooperation takes the form of listening.  What is your partner trying to say?  Go deeper:  What is your partner FEELING?  Is there panic?  Dread?  Excitement?  You become more cooperative when you tune in, not just to the words your partner is saying, but their feelings.  Something else happens, too.  Your partner feels HEARD.  Now they are more likely to listen to you in return.  And there it is, a cooperative discussion instead of a fight.

What if you are the person who is always asking for things to get done and getting resistance?  I would still invite you to look at whether or not you are cooperative.  Are you, for example, overly controlling about finances, holidays, or family visits?  Are you unable to stand up to others to protect your partner's feelings?  Do you do things for your partner that you don't especially like, just because you feel loving?  Or do you dig in your heels, roll your eyes, and cross your arms while you grudgingly accompany him or her? 

You see how being cooperative is a big deal now, right?  Can you see how resolving to be more cooperative can improve your relationship quickly?  Can you also see that even if you think you are angelic in the cooperation department that there is room for improvement? 

I could go into all the reasons we might stop being cooperative, but that would miss the point.  I think it's best to simply resolve to act in a more loving and cooperative way with your partner in 2013.  Now what do you say to that?  That's right:  Yes, dear.

Friday, August 31, 2012

New Teen & Adult Therapists for Anxiety, Depression & Relationship Issues

Hello! We hope you are enjoying the beginning of Fall! We are excited to announce the addition of a two new therapists to our busy private therapy practice! We hope you will join us in welcoming Jill Gordon, LCSW and Simone Bramble, LCSW-C to our counseling and wellness center which offers day, evening and weekend hours and reasonable rates (including a sliding scale) to help make therapy accessible and available to anyone who is looking for individual, couples, family or group counseling during these difficult times. 

The focus of our practice is on identifying each client’s unique needs so we can create an individual treatment plan to promote healthier, happier living.

 

Jill Gordon, LCSW is enthusiastic, non judgmental and compassionate in her work with teens and adults. She believes in creating a validating, supportive, empowering environment and uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to help her clients make practical changes in their lives in the following areas:
 Teen Issues:
   School Stress, Friends Issues, Parent/Child Issues, Depression/Anxiety, Self Esteem
Adult Issues:
   Depression, Anxiety, Work Related Issues, Stress Management, Relationship Issues, Communication,
   Interpersonal Problems, Life Transitions, Abuse & Trauma, Assertiveness Issues

                 

Simone Bramble, LCSW-C is caring and experienced in helping teens, adults and families. She uses a directive, strengths based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  approach to help guide clients with the following issues:
 Teen Issues:
   School Stress, Friends Issues, Parent/Child Issues, Depression/Anxiety, Self Esteem
Adult Issues:
   Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Work Related Issues, Anger Management, Relationship Issues
Couples/Family Issues:
   Communication, Interpersonal Problems, Fighting, Problematic Sexualized Behavior, Assertiveness Issues

As we continue to build our practice, we welcome any clients who you feel would be a good fit to work with one of us. We can be reached by calling the office at 240-274-5680 or by email to AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com.  For more information about the practice, or us please visit our website at www.HealingLLC.com.

Take Good Care,

Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC
AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com - Contact me with questions!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

A Sex Therapist's Tips for Relationships

Written By: Dr. Stephanie Buehler, Director, The Buehler Institute

"Never fear, Dr. Buehler is here!  Some prime ideas for keeping cool when things are too hot (and not in a good way).

1.  Learn anger management.  I don't know why this isn't really taught as a subject in school.  Everyone needs to know how to prevent becoming a personal flame thrower.  Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic.  Learn them and use them.

2.  Learn to contain problems.  Unless something is really, truly urgent, it's often best to hold back on criticism, even if you intend to be helpful.  Repeat criticism becomes nagging.  When your partner does something, tuck it away to talk about later, when you are both calm.  In fact, this morning a client resolved to put such things on their phone, then review them at the end of the week to see what was needed for discussion.  So whatever clever thing you are going to fling at your partner, zip it, tuck it away, and bring it up later.  Chances are that with time it won't seem so important, and the two of you really can come up with a solution or resolve to do better.

3.  Accept conflict.  There is no such thing as a conflict-free relationship.  Trust me, when couples tell me that there is no conflict, if they get me alone, it all comes out in a vent, like steam.  Keeping peace is not a good goal.  You need to learn how to communicate assertively and resolve conflict, not just sweep it under the rug.

Here are some steps for rational conflict resolution:
  • Identify the problem.  You may be arguing about two different things. (Not that that's ever happened in my household, don't think it has.) 
  • Create several solutions.  Do not criticize them.  Write them down.   
  • Reflect on the solutions.  Do not talk yet.  Just look at the list and see if any of the solutions is more apt to satisfy both parties.
  • Discuss the solutions.  If things start to get heated, take a break.  (See tips on anger management, above.)  Keep the discussion focused on resolving the conflict.
  • Agree on a solution.  Not "the perfect solution."  A solution.
  • Try the solution to see how it works.
  • Re-evaluate and adjust as needed.  Go back to the list of solutions if the solution you chose really didn't work.  

4.  Stay on your side of the line.  Respect your partner's individual opinion.  No put downs.  People may not agree but they still love one another.  The idea isn't to have your partner prove their love by allowing themselves to be won over.  The idea is to create a win-win relationship, at least as much as humanly possible.

5.  Sex.  Have some.  Even if you aren't feeling quite in the mood, it is a good idea to put aside conflict and make love, not war.  It will make you feel closer and can make the problem solving easier.  If you really aren't up to making love, then at least try a hug or a little humor to show that even though you are upset, you still love your partner. 

If your relationship is filled with constant conflict, something else is going on:  poor communication, painful feelings and resentment, or inability to understand what the point is of having a relationship at all.  That's when it's time to contact a professional.  Life is too short, isn't it, to fight all the time?"
I thought this was too good not to pass along. We have therapists in our practice who specialize in couples counseling and relationship issues. So, if you want help working on any of the above recommendations, call us today at 240-274-5680 or send me an email to AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. Visit www.HealingLLC.com/cso for details.

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC