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What To Do If Your Spouse Won’t Go To Couples Therapy
You’ve tried, lord have you tried! The answer is either a hard “no,” or it’s some other vague excuse.
The fact is, women tend to be much more open to the prospect of couples counseling than men. So, what should you do when you know your relationship is becoming stagnant—or worse, it’s in danger of falling apart—yet your other half has no interest in couples counseling?
As we all know, in relationships, compromise is key.
Here are some ideas and resources that may help if your spouse refuses to go to couples’ therapy.
Your Guide to Requests, Boundaries, and Threats
Asserting your needs in a relationship can feel so challenging that often, people just don’t.
Or, they’ll ask for what they want, but never enforce any type of consequence or set a boundary when their request is dismissed.
Distinguishing the difference between requests, boundaries and threats is extremely important for anyone in a relationship, and it’s imperative that you understand when (and why!) to implement each.
Have You Done the Inner Work Required for a Great Marriage?
Many of us are aware of the foundation of a happy marriage, and will pinpoint the fundamentals required. There’s trust, communication, love and respect…but… what is the foundation of those things? Like, how do you get good at them?
Here’s the secret: you’ve got to do the work.
Let’s take a look at some of the inner ways of being that can agitate a relationship if they’re not healed first.
Why is Anxiety So Common?
Suffer from anxiety? You’re not alone. In the USA about one-third of the population will experience an anxiety disorder at some point, making it one of the most common mental health diagnoses currently.
The obvious next question then is, why? What’s causing this anxious uptick, and what—if anything—can be done about it?
Let’s take a look.
What do Couples Really Fight About?
Do you ever have a moment—mid argument—where you catch a glimpse of clarity and think, what are we doing? What are we even fighting about?
If so, here’s the real shocker: Frequent spats often have little to nothing to do with the subject of the argument. Rather, they’re an indication there’s something deeper going on.
Here’s a brief rundown of common issues that result in arguments…
What to Expect in Couples Therapy
Can you guess the main reason couples who’d benefit from therapy never go?
The answer is, fear.
Fear of being vulnerable, fear of opening up, fear of the unknown, the list goes on and on.
Now, fear is a worthy excuse. However, the cost of skipping therapy due to being afraid usually doesn’t yield the best outcome.
Couples therapy is powerful, and can revive your relationship. If you’re still a little unsure, here’s what you can expect when you and your partner sign up for relationship advice.
Introvert + Extrovert: The Love Mix!
Opposites really do attract, and when introverts and extroverts form a relationship, these differences can become glaringly apparent.
But, not to worry. With a little communication and compromise, this union can be as harmonious as yin and yang, balancing each end of the spectrum beautifully.
Communication begins by first identifying your feelings, then expressing them in a way that ensures they’re heard and understood without insulting or diminishing the person you’re speaking with.
Communication issues are one of the biggest reasons why relationships fail. The longer a couple goes without learning how to communicate in a healthy manner, the more damaged the relationship becomes.
Here are some of the top communication pitfalls couples typically experience. If any of them sound familiar, don’t worry—there’s a solution.
Boost Your Mood – Emotional Resilience Tips
Being on edge in your own head is an awful experience. It can range anywhere from feeling uncomfortable to being downright scary.
Thankfully though, there are some things you can do to lessen the discomfort. Here are some tips that—when practiced regularly—can boost your mood, and help you become more emotionally resilient overall.
Top Communication Pitfalls for Couples
Learning how to communicate effectively is a superpower. It’s also attainable—the problem is it’s not something most people are taught.
Communication begins by first identifying your feelings, then expressing them in a way that ensures they’re heard and understood without insulting or diminishing the person you’re speaking with.
Communication issues are one of the biggest reasons why relationships fail. The longer a couple goes without learning how to communicate in a healthy manner, the more damaged the relationship becomes.
Here are some of the top communication pitfalls couples typically experience. If any of them sound familiar, don’t worry—there’s a solution.
What Defines a Perfect Romance?
Are you looking for the perfect romance?
When it comes to romance, we’re all familiar with the Hollywood version which, truth be told, doesn’t appeal to everyone.
The reality is we all have our own definitions of romance. Often though, we never share this with our partner. Which naturally results in feeling disappointed—or even slightly embarrassed on Valentine’s Day, as not everyone cares for flowers.
Here, we invite both you and your other half to clearly lay out your version of romance as defined by none other than YOU.
Sharing your definition (and inviting your other half to do the same) is the best way to get what you want this Valentine’s Day.
Discover How You and Your Partner Help Bring Your Romantic Vision to Life
Flying Solo This Valentine’s Day? No worries, we got you covered
When you’re single, Valentine’s Day can feel personal. It arrives with a vengeance, pink and red everywhere. Innuendos and couples doing couple things. Chocolate, flowers, lingerie and more.
All serving as a reminder: you’re alone.
But here’s the deal: First, you’re not alone. Second, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being single.
We’ve got some great ideas on how to have fun this Valentine’s Day without a significant other. These tips will lessen the sting, and still allow you to participate in the holiday… if you want to, that is.
2025 Calm: Beat Anxiety Now!
Ah, the new year. A time of excitement and anticipation… and for those who suffer from anxiety, unfortunately there’s some of that, too.
To help you reduce stress and breathe easy in the new year, we’ve got some practical tips on setting resolutions without increasing anxiety. Find out how to beat anxiety and reach your goals.
Beating the January Blues: Mental Health Tips for a Fresh Start
Beating the January Blues: Mental Health Tips for a Fresh Start
As magical as the Holidays are, they can be triggering too.
Many people have tricky (exhausting!) family dynamics to maneuver. Or there’s a death or loss that feels especially painful because that someone is no longer here to celebrate. And then, there’s food. All that delicious sugary yumminess—enjoyable in the moment, but very quickly overindulgence becomes bloating, brain fog, and general feelings of blah.
Finally, adding to all of that are shorter days and less sunlight.
No wonder so many people experience sadness, lack of energy, and additional stressors this time of year!
Thankfully, there are ways to make it through. Here are some simple, kind, and gentle ways to help you navigate, and carry yourself to brighter days.
New Year, New Bonds – 2025 Connection Goals
New Year, New Bonds – 2025 Connection Goals
That New Year’s energy is mighty alluring, and it’s impossible to not get drawn into a state of reflection: How did the previous year go, and what dreams and aspirations do you have for the next?
Typically, new year’s resolutions tend to err on the personal—a valiant solo effort to improve health, finances, or some other worthy challenge. Rarely do these resolutions involve someone else.
Which—if you’re in a relationship—seems like a missed opportunity. Coming up with relationship goals strengthens your bond, deepens intimacy (both physical and emotional), lessens the likelihood of you drifting apart, improves communication, and much, much more.
With all those benefits, why not reflect on the state of your union, and jump at this chance to better your relationship?
Start the Year with Relationship Goals
Start the Year with Relationship Goals
Remember that first year together? It was all so effortless. You could literally be doing nothing, yet simply because the two of you were together, you were having the best time in the world.
As anyone who’s been in a long term relationship knows, that passion and ease felt during the early stages doesn’t last forever. Real life sets in, and when that occurs you either have to put effort into the relationship—work to stoke that flame and keep it burning bright—or allow it to slowly and painfully fizzle out.
When you think about your relationship, where are you on that spectrum? Is your relationship continuously growing, or are you two slowly drifting apart?
Since New Year’s is all about reflection and resolutions, let’s take stock of your relationship—and if you realize you may be headed for trouble, don’t worry. We can help.
Reach out to start your healing journey today