Articles
Thoughts on Counseling and Therapy
Moving Through an Affair: The Decision
After writing about the initial crisis period of an affair, it was clear to me that a follow-up article was necessary. I have to confess, though, that it has been a challenge to write. There’s so much complexity and uniqueness to every relationship, so much to fill in...
The Impact of Trauma on Intimacy
What is trauma? In short, trauma is any negative impactful event that has shifted your perception of the world. Trauma can make it extremely difficult to maintain relationships as it forces us to constantly remain in ‘fight or flight’ mode. Feeling constantly on edge...
When our Intentions do not Have the Desired Impact
Valentine’s Day is known for exchanges of romantic interest, intention, and gifts. In fact, the history of giving cards, flowers, and chocolates in the name of love extends back to least five hundred years and has been commercialized in the United States since the...
Your Relationship. You Matter.
The other day my wife and I were having dinner with friends at their home. A fun night of pizza, laughs and sharing our upper respiratory colds. When it was time to drive home winter finally hit! I am a Michigan driver and sometimes find it an adventure to drive in...
Date Yourself, or at Least Be Your Biggest Supporter
We’re nearing Valentine’s Day and a time of year many people think about the relationships in their lives as well as potentially starting new ones. It seems like everywhere you look, people are holding hands and all our favorite venues are advertising on how to...
Words to Improve Your Relationship
Marriage can bring out the best in people or the worst in people. The same marriage can do either. When marriage isn’t bringing out the best in people their communication tends to either be negative or nonexistent. When it’s bringing out the best, the couple...
Single on Valentine’s Day
February means seeing pink hearts, red flowers, chocolates, and sweet nothings like “be mine” written everywhere you look. There are some who see Valentine’s Day as an unnecessary and annoying commercial celebration, however, I enjoy any and every holiday, and am...
Post-Divorce Dating; When are You Ready to Jump Back In?
Divorce is scary and difficult for most people. Entering into the scary abyss of the legal and emotional turmoil of divorce triggers so many emotions. Pain, fear, grief, anger, sadness, guilt, and even relief are normal feelings. It’s important to know that most...
The Gifts in Singlehood
Valentines day has never been a big deal to me. I’m much more into the day-to-day expressions of love than the big moments. There is one Valentine’s day that stands out to me though. It was the Valentine’s Day where I mentally shifted and made the decision that my...
“Rules of Engagement” in Parenting
On December 31, 2000, my 12-year-old yelled, “you and dad are soooo ill prepared to raise kids in the new millennium”. She was right; although she did not appreciate our laughter at the topic. These “Rules of Engagement” work as well today as they did twenty years...