communication

Do you and your partner have what it takes to build a sound relationship house?

The Sound Relationship House theory was developed by relationship expert Dr. John Gottman and follows the notion that it’s essential for couples to cultivate and build a fundamental process for the success of the relationship. The theory includes areas such as trust, commitment, knowing your partner’s world, sharing fondness and admiration towards one another, having a positive perspective about your marriage, managing conflict, making life dreams come true, and creating a shared meaning for your marriage.

When couples get stuck in repetitive argument patterns it can be difficult to reach agreement, but what many don’t realize is that it might be more important for them to work on having more fun in their marriage rather than just focusing on reducing the conflict.

Our guest today is Dr. Katrina Kuzyszyn-Jones, a licensed psychologist and the owner of KKJ Forensic and Psychological Services in Durham, NC. Katrina is here to discuss Gottman’s Sound Relationship House theory and to give couples some solid tips on how they can follow and use the theory throughout their marriages.

To find out more about Katrina and her practice, visit their website or call (919) 493-1957 to schedule an appointment.

Despite the fact that they’re family… What do you do when you just can’t stand to be around your in-laws?

Although you love your spouse, you might not always love his or her parents or siblings. So how do you make peace with them when there has always been tension? How do you reach a compromise that everyone in the family is okay with? Naturally, the goal is to develop a comfortable role for yourself with realistic expectations for what your in-laws can offer to you and what you can offer to them. It’s not always that simple though. And sometimes it can be even more difficult because it’s family.

When there’s a lack of support from the in-laws, it can put a lot of stress on a marriage and both partners individually. Sometimes couples don’t really know how to set healthy boundaries and limits, and they ultimately get caught up in never-ending family drama and turmoil.

Today’s guest is Dr. Susan Orenstein, the director of Orenstein Solutions in Cary, NC. Susan has worked with many couples who have faced these very issues, and she’s here to discuss a way to fix the problems. According to her, it is possible for couples to get to a place where they feel comfort and happiness with their in-laws… even after many years of struggle.

To find out more about Susan and her practice, visit their website or call (919) 428-2766 to schedule an appointment.

How can you and your partner manage change throughout your marriage? Do you both have what it takes to face the challenges change can bring?

Change is as inevitable as death and taxes, yet when people marry they don’t think very much about all of the ways their partner might change over time. Changes can come in many shapes and sizes and at various points throughout life and marriage. Changing career paths, changing religions, changing whether or not you want children or how you choose to spend or save money… The list goes on and on.

Sometimes dealing with change can be very difficult and confusing and can also put much stress on a marriage and both partners individually. If couples aren’t on the same page about how to manage different transformations throughout life, then they could very well argue a lot more which can lead to a build up of tension and resentment.

There are solutions, however, and today’s guest has some helpful pointers and tips for couples on how to manage big changes within their marriages and personal lives. Dr. Tina Lepage is the founder of Lepage Associates in Durham, NC. Among others, a specialty of hers is personal and professional relationships and with more than 15 years of experience serving clients, Tina has helped her fair share of couples dealing with many different issues.

To find out more about Tina and her practice, you can visit their website or call (919) 572-0000 to schedule an appointment.