Posts

A couple standing at dusk at the edge of a body of water, leaning towards each other.

The Power of Together, the Freedom of Alone: Understanding Relationship Independence

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It can be hard to find the balance as a couple between spending enough time together and apart. Relationship independence can help.

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A man in a suit stands behind a woman in a wedding dress with his arms wrapped around her torso holding her hands. The couple, who we only see from the chest to the hip, is making a heart shape with their joined hands.

Beyond Wedding Planning: Exploring the Benefits of Premarital Counseling

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Learn more premarital counseling, what it accomplishes for couples, and the benefits of speaking with a therapist before your wedding day.

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Quality Time: Prioritizing Connection with Partner During Busy Summer Schedules

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Quality time is more than a love language, but often difficult to prioritize when your life gets busy. Here are some tips.

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Couple having coffee

5 Reasons to Seek Out Couples Therapy Before Major Issues

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Couples therapy may be the last thing on your mind, but it can seriously help improve your relationship with your partner anytime. Find out how.

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The Cascade of Betrayal: A Slippery Slope to Infidelity

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There are many reasons why partners cheat, but no matter what, infidelity can be a crushing blow to any relationship. Learn why people cheat and how to promote communication between you and your partner for a healthy, long-term relationship.

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Twp people holding a heart.

4 Tips on Compromising With Your Partner

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Compromising with your partner is essential to maintaining a fulfilling, communicative relationship. Gottman Method Couple’s Therapy emphasizes compromise as a key component of any healthy relationship: here are my favorite tips for helping partners compromise.

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What to Do if Your Partner Refuses to Attend Couples Therapy

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If you and your partner are struggling in your relationship, couple’s therapy is a great option to help get back on track. But what do you do if your partner doesn’t want to participate?

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Huffington Post Stonewalling

This Marital Behavior Is Not Only Annoying, It’s A Sign You Might Divorce

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I contributed the following to a Huffington Post article about stonewalling, one of Joh Gottman’s Four Horsemen:

“2. Be aware of the physical reaction you have before you stonewall.

“If you’re a stonewaller, you usually have an internal physiological reaction (increased heart-rate or rapid breathing, for instance) and an external reaction right before you close up: Maybe you physically turn away from your partner or close your eyes and deeply sigh. These are all signs your partner needs to start paying attention to. Discuss what you do during times of distress so you both can recognize the stonewalling warning signs.” ― Danielle Kepler, a therapist in Chicago, Illinois”

You can read the full article here.

Your Marriage Could Be In Trouble If You Resort To This During Arguments

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I contributed to the following article for the Huffington Post about ways to reduce your defensiveness in arguments with your partner:

“3. Instead of planning your next counterargument, actively listen to what your partner is saying.

“When someone is ranting and raving, it’s easy to plan your mental counter attack, but when you do that you are no longer listening to them and the message they’re trying to get across might get lost. Try to postpone your agenda and listen for points that make sense to you. Then let them know what makes sense. “ ― Danielle Kepler, a couples counselor in Chicago, Illinois”

 

Read the entire article here.

11 Qualities

11 Qualities Every Truly Happy Relationship Has In Common

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I contributed to the following article for the Huffington Post about qualities every couple should develop in order to have a long and happy relationship:

11 Qualities“Friendship

“Couples who are good friends know each other well, give each other the benefit of the doubt and are fond of one another. When you take the time to strengthen your friendship, you’re more successful long-term. Making friendship a priority will help you weather any storm that comes your way.” ― Danielle Kepler, a therapist in Chicago, Illinois”

Read the rest of the article here.