Can you and your partner communicate without saying a word?
For couples dealing with relationship problems, in many ways, actions speak louder than words. Partners often want more attention and affection from each other, and a lack of such can make them feel misunderstood or neglected. Many couples will argue about the little things because they don’t know how to communicate the deeper issues. Oftentimes, relationship partners don’t realize that there can be a sacred level of communication between them that comes without saying a word.
When it comes to the verbal side of things, some couples get caught up on what they intended to say and the words they used, rather than understanding the impact of their non-verbal cues, like body language and tone of voice, and their actions.
Sometimes frustration finds a way to creep into these situations, and especially when couples feel that they’ve said everything they can to make a point. Today’s guest, Dr. Susan Orenstein, says there is a way to quell the anger and frustration that builds up. As a licensed psychologist and the director of Orenstein Solutions in Cary, NC, Susan sees a wide variety of these communication problems and strives to help couples improve their relationship without saying a word.
To find out more about Susan and her practice, you can visit their website or call (919) 428-2766 to schedule an appointment.
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If you were the reason for the fighting in your marriage, would you be able to admit you were the “I” in the storm?
One of the biggest challenges facing couples today is their inability to truly hear one another and recognize the unhealthy communication patterns that develop over time. In many cases it starts with one partner, the “I” in the storm. This partner becomes a force in the relationship that is somewhat like the “eye” of a hurricane- the area surrounded by the most severe conditions.
When negative communication patterns develop or have already been developed, the strength of the marriage can take a hit. And oftentimes it results in distance and contempt between partners. The majority of the time, all each partner really wants is for the other to understand them. But in the midst of arguing over a point, compassion and understanding can sometimes fly out the window.
Leslie Petruk is a child and family therapist who joins us to discuss the the biggest predictors of divorce, but also the key to resolving communication problems within a marriage. At her practice SteppingStones Counseling and Consulting in Charlotte, NC, Leslie works to help individuals and couples build more connected and mindful lives.
To find out more about Leslie and her practice, visit their website, or call (704) 335-6100 to make an appointment.
Stressed out with parenting duties? Check out Leslie’s website that offers tips and resources for when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
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Is keeping secrets from your partner just as bad as lying?
We’re talking about lying by omission. It may not seem like selective honesty would create problems within a marriage, but keeping secrets from your partner is a form of lying. Doing this can create cracks in the foundation of a relationship and lead to the destruction of a marriage.
Many couples are unaware of the powerful message they are sending by intentionally withholding information. Sometimes couples think that keeping secrets from one another is being “helpful,” or that they are “sparing the other,” but that isn’t the case. When one or both partners in the relationship have secrets that the other don’t know about, trust and communication are compromised. After a marriage has been hit by secrets and lies, the dynamic has been changed for the worst.
Our guest today is Dr. Janet Savia, a clinical psychologist with Lepage Associates. According to Janet, secrets and lies create deep wounds, but can be healed with honesty and guidance. Though it may seem impossible to regain trust within a marriage that is plagued with secrets and lies, it’s not. Change can be real.
To find out more about Janet and the practice, Lepage Associates, visit their website, or call (919) 572-0000 to make an appointment.
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