Could your relationship benefit from a couples retreat? When you hear “couples retreat”, you might think of the 2009 film with Vince Vaughn. A couple, juggling their busy lives while raising two children, decide to take on a vacation getaway package combined with couples counselling, to realise what a great thing they have going. The cynic in … [Read more...] about Couples Retreat: The Value of Focusing on Your Relationship
couple communication
Is it Time Your Relationship Had a Digital Cleanse?
I'm very excited to share my first guest post for the Love and Life Toolbox, which is owned by well-known U.S. marriage and family therapist Lisa Kift. I've always been impressed by Lisa's passion for sharing information to help people build better relationships and improve their emotional health. I recently partnered with Lisa, so I can offer … [Read more...] about Is it Time Your Relationship Had a Digital Cleanse?
Mindfulness for Couples: How to Cultivate Compassion, Insight and Empathy for Those You Love
Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. It also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future How do you use … [Read more...] about Mindfulness for Couples: How to Cultivate Compassion, Insight and Empathy for Those You Love
How to Complain Constructively to Your Partner [Video]
I just love this video on how to complain constructively to your partner. It's so simple, it's brilliant. And anyone can do this. Terry Real is the author of the bestseller The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work and a relationship expert that is in high demand with the international media for his commentary on … [Read more...] about How to Complain Constructively to Your Partner [Video]
Making Couples Happy: An Interview with Clinical Psychologist and Author John Aiken
I had the pleasure of speaking with my colleague John Aiken, who is a Sydney clinical psychologist. John was recently the co-host of a hit ABC TV reality show called Making Couples Happy. He is also the co-author of the book Making Couples Happy: How science can help get relationships back on track. I go behind the scenes of the TV show and … [Read more...] about Making Couples Happy: An Interview with Clinical Psychologist and Author John Aiken
Couple Conflict: How to Resolve Recurring Arguments and Create Win-Win Outcomes
This is one of my favourite relationship quotes. If you can't see the image above, it says, "You Can be RIGHT or you can be in RELATIONSHIP". I'm not sure who said it or where it comes from, but I like it because it really captures the dilemma that many couples find themselves in. And this doesn't just apply to couple communication. It's also … [Read more...] about Couple Conflict: How to Resolve Recurring Arguments and Create Win-Win Outcomes
Couple Communication: The Value of a Gottman Soft Start-up
Some of my most popular posts are on communication. Why is that? I think it's because we know that communication is one of those things that all of us can seek to improve. Communication is also something that, when changed, can have immediate and positive benefits on your relationship. The Gottmans are famous for their world-renowned research … [Read more...] about Couple Communication: The Value of a Gottman Soft Start-up
Communication Basics: 7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Relationship
There are so many books and articles written about how to communicate effectively, that it can often be overwhelming to know what to believe or even what works. I've distilled down some of the most important factors couples need to focus on to improve their communication and relationship. My ideas are based on my observations of working with … [Read more...] about Communication Basics: 7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Relationship
Sex Advice: Couples Too Tired for Sex [Study]
I was asked by MSN.com this week to comment on some new research reported by CNN that says many couples are too tired for sex. You can read the article by clicking here. The article obviously hit a nerve and was very popular, ending up on the home page of MSN. Couples that are too tired for sex is a growing problem for many in long term … [Read more...] about Sex Advice: Couples Too Tired for Sex [Study]
Warning: 9 Ways Facebook Couples can Avoid Social Suicide
I'm always fascinated by how social media, and in particular Facebook is impacting and influencing relationships. A recent article in the New York Times highlighted some of the dilemmas that couples are facing today as social media becomes deeply embedded in our modern ways of relating. In my relationship counselling practice, not a week goes by … [Read more...] about Warning: 9 Ways Facebook Couples can Avoid Social Suicide