Couples Counseling Archives - Page 3 of 12

mixed race couple hugging one another lovingly

Giving Yourself Permission to be Intimate

It’s 2023, and while it seems like the world has become so much more progressive and accepting, there still do exist many “social norms” that place certain subject matters into a taboo constraint. As women, that can be even tighter.

Every relationship is different. No two couples will interact with each other in the same ways. Or share the same common interests. It's what makes life so wonderful at times—knowing how different we all are from one another. However, sometimes, these differences don't work out exactly in our favor. We can generally say most people are in two categories of relationships—codependent or interdependent. Most people understand the word codependency as something related to addiction. Relationships can also be codependent. Codependent relationships are defined by unhealthy balances. Interdependent relationships, on the other hand, are defined by a healthy balance. Let's go over the differences between codependent relationships and interdependent ones. Codependency vs. Interdependency: How to Know the Difference Confidence In Who They Are...Or Not In a codependent relationship, one partner will rely heavily on the other person for everything. They base their own opinions, values, or habits directly on their partner. They become so enmeshed with the other person that their own personality and life begin to mimic the other person. Or, they don't have the confidence to be who they are and rely on the other person for their happiness. In an interdependent relationship, each partner does not shape who they are based on the other person. While there may be shared interests or opinions, they know that it's okay to have differences in these things. Needs Of The Other Person A huge sign of a codependent relationship is when the other person's needs and wants always come first. Over time, they come to believe that their own needs are secondary to this other person. And that their happiness should always come first. In an interdependent relationship, this does not exist because each person tries to meet the other's needs and wants. There is a give and a take with every relationship. Balancing these things is a great sign of a healthy relationship. Emotions Codependent relationships will have an uneven playing field when it comes to emotions. Again, they won't deal with their own emotions or feelings because the other person is more important. On the other side of the track, an interdependent relationship is completely different. Each partner understands that their partner's emotions are important. But, they also acknowledge that their own feelings are important too. Conflict A tell-tale sign of an unhealthy relationship is that the couple may constantly argue. Most couples will argue at some point—that is not the issue. In this type of relationship, the arguing is almost daily. Sometimes, there might be no arguing involved for longer periods of time. However, these emotions and thoughts don't get expressed properly, causing them to build up over time. This causes an explosion of feelings and will lead to a couple arguing about everything once the conflict does actually get addressed. In an interdependent relationship, each partner understands that the other person might not agree with them. They know how to express what they are feeling about the other person in a healthy way before it gets too out of control. And, because they are addressing issues in an honest and open way, the conflict is kept to a minimum. How To Get Help With A Codependent Relationship If any of these signs are present in your relationship, don't panic. While codependency is challenging to deal with, it doesn't mean the relationship is doomed to fail. At the end of the day, codependency is all about learned behaviors and actions. And these can always be untaught! Let's connect soon so you can learn more about couples counseling.

Couples Counseling

Codependency vs. Interdependency: How to Know the Difference

Every relationship is different. No two couples will interact with each other in the same ways. Or share the same common interests. It’s what makes life so wonderful at times—knowing how different we all are from one another. However, sometimes, these differences don’t work out exactly in our favor.

couple standing close together embracing one another

Couples Counseling

Is it Possible to Have a Codependent Marriage?

With any relationship, romantic or otherwise, there should always be a balance between being the giver and receiver. At times, of course, we may need to give more to the other person. For the most part, however, there should be a healthy balance.

Couples Counseling

How to Overcome Sexual Performance Anxiety

Romantic connections can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. There are highs and lows—moments where everything is great and moments where you are just over it all. Every couple, at some point, goes through just as many negatives as they do positives.

photo of a neat and tidy made bed with pillows on it

Couples Counseling

Let’s Talk About Sex: How to Fix Your Sexless Marriage

Sexual intimacy in a relationship is essential. While that is not the only aspect of a relationship that matters, it is definitely important. There are no hard rules as to how often a couple should have sex because this will differ from couple to couple.

photo of a man and woman sitting side by side talking

Couples Counseling

5 Tips to Improve Communication in Your Relationship

Relationships don’t always go smoothly. After the honeymoon phase is over, many couples start to see issues pop up in their relationship.

silhouette of a couple against a sunset sky

Couples Counseling

When’s the Right Time to Introduce My Children to My Date?

Dating at any age can feel complicated. It’s always challenging to begin integrating someone else into your life. We used to think dating as a teenager was complicated, but the truth is, it can be even more so as adults

couple standing near trees hugging one another

Couples Counseling

Loosening Your Grip: How to Build Trust When Dating

They say that friendship is the strongest foundation of a relationship. It’s not really possible to disagree with that because it truly is. However, a strong foundation for a healthy relationship involves more than just being friends—things like honesty and respect, for instance. And, most importantly, trust.

Couples Counseling

6 Signs of Sexual Addiction

Topics about sexual intimacy are already taboo. But when it comes to discussing addiction to sex, most people consider it completely off-limits. However, sex addiction is a bigger problem than most people realize.

man resting hands against head who looks stressed

Couples Counseling

Creating Healthy Boundaries: How to Help Your Loved One Through Addiction

Watching someone you care for or love struggle with addiction is heartbreaking. Most people think that addiction only truly affects the person battling it. But the truth is, anyone who is close enough to the person going through it is also fighting their own battle.

Jean Huber, LCSW