Mental health issues can have a significant impact on your marriage. They can affect your communication, intimacy, and overall sense of connection with your partner. While it can be difficult to confront mental health issues, seeking help can improve your relationship and quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of mental health…
Emotions in Relationships One of the most important aspects of any relationship is understanding and managing your emotions. This is especially true in romantic relationships, where emotions can run high and significantly impact the level of connection you both feel.
Several years ago, a prominent politician made the comment that he would not eat alone with a woman other than his wife. Some people were offended–claiming that statement and behavior degraded women. Others stated his behavior was archaic. As a marriage therapist, it was curious for me to watch this national conversation unfold. Perhaps I…
This week I started preparing for a presentation I’m giving to a large women’s organization. The main topic is depression and mental health. This is a topic our society does not talk about enough. We all struggle with feeling down and discouraged. Sometimes that discouragement can be debilitating. There are a couple of different schools…
Insurance coverage for couples’ therapy can vary depending on the insurance company and policy. While some insurance plans may provide coverage for couples’ therapy, it’s important to note that not all insurance plans cover this type of therapy. The best way to know what is covered under your plan is to call the number on…
The other day I was walking through Costco when I heard a husband suggest to his wife that they get a bag of dog food. She critically responded, “We don’t need that whole bag of dog food. He’ll never go through it all.” “It was just a suggestion,” her husband responded with an edge of…
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were running errands. I thought we were going to Kohls to make some returns, he thought we were going to Lowe’s. He was driving. We are still new to this city, so we are still trying to find our way around town. I didn’t think he…
Research suggests that being in an unhappy relationship can have negative health effects. Studies have found that people who are in unhappy relationships are more likely to experience a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In fact, some research has suggested that the health effects…
A couple of weeks ago, I walked downstairs to find my kids had made waffles for breakfast. Our two girls love to cook, but they occasionally forget to clean up after themselves. It only took three seconds for me to assess the mess and go looking for the kids. When I found them, the first…
The other night my husband and I were out to dinner when I became aware of a young, handsome couple sitting nearby. We were waiting for our food when I began to pick up on the tension from their table. The wife kept trying to start a conversation with her husband, but he kept looking…
In his book, Better, writer, surgeon, and researcher Dr. Atul Gwande asked, “What does it take to be good at something in which failure is so easy, so effortless?” I hear this concern from many couples in medical relationships. When I ask physician couples what topics are most pressing and concerning to them, the overwhelming…
You’ve probably heard the term passive aggression, but do you truly understand what it means? Can you accurately spot it in your relationships—or even in yourself? And perhaps most importantly, do you know how to navigate relationships with someone who consistently displays passive-aggressive behavior?