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Relationship Counseling

Relationship Counseling

Relationships are complex and good communication skills are key to opening the door to a rewarding relationship. Most couples end up in my office due to the fact they did not learn the art of communication when they were growing up. They come to me needing to learn the very basics.

How we communicate with each other is often based on fear. We fear that we will be misunderstood, that what we think will not be respected, or we will make someone angry.

"Why should we seek couples/relationship/marriage counseling?"

Answer:

Many people think that if you are in love, that is all that is necessary and that there should not be any work involved. Love should be constantly fulfilling, sex to be spontaneous and passionate. But, that there shouldn't be any special effort. Well, that is certainly a myth made in Never Never Land. A successful relationship is an ongoing work in progress.

Couples therapy is a tool to:

  • Help couples stay committed
  • Learn how to turn negative communication into positive communication, in order to lessen the heated difference of opinion or find compromise (conflict resolution 101)
  • Assist couples in rebuilding trust when trust has been broken
  • Encourage re-connection to regain emotional and physical intimacy
  • Be tolerant and understanding of a partner's imperfections

The Necessary Ingredients

Learning the art of constructive resolution and honoring each other's needs are the two basic ingredients for relationship harmony. All relationships at some point in time will experience discord. How couples handle life discords is the deciding factor between survival or the dissolution of the relationship.

Disagreement is part of any relationship. You can learn the art of constructive resolution in couples therapy. You can be the one to change what is deteriorating the relationship.

Constructive Resolution

Below are the steps to constructive resolution. Please, post the suggestion list in a prominent place in your home so that you have immediate access to it and develop this skill with your loved one(s).

If you think that your relationship is in need of a new perspective, please call me at 360-690-6550. Let me assist you in returning harmony in your home.

GETTING TO CONSTRUCTIVE RESOLUTION

Or How To Fight Fair!

1. Clearly identify the problem.

2. Focus only on the immediate problem.

3. Stay on subject, do not go off on tangents.

4. Attack the problem, not the person.

5. Listen with an open mind and do not interrupt the person speaking.

6. Do not commit fouls such as name-calling, blaming, or excuse making.

7. Treat the other person with respect.

8. Take responsibility for your actions and words, verbal and non-verbal.

9. Take 10 minute time outs if necessary.

10. Do not stop until a resolution is reached.

  • Kathie Ray-Annis licsw, crt, cmhp

    9407 NE Vancouver Dr.
    Ste 107
    Vancouver , WA 98662

    GET DIRECTIONS


    Call Us
    Phone: 360-690-6550
    Email: krayannis@aol.com

    Hours
    Mon: 10:00AM-7:30PM
    Tue: 10:00AM-7:30PM
    Wed: 10:00AM-7:30PM
    Thu: 10:00AM-7:30PM
    Fri: 10:00AM-7:30PM
    Sat: Closed
    Sun: Closed
    We will be closed on the following dates - 11/25, 11/26, 11/27, 12/23, 12/24, & 12/25

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