communication

Are Your Relationship Expectations Realistic?

We all have our own set of expectations in every aspect of life. We have a set of expectations when it comes to work. Whether it’s our tasks at work, work atmosphere, or job duties, we come into work with what we think will happen. When these expectations are not met at work, we often find ourselves unhappy and wanting to find something better. We look for a place that matches well with our personalities and shares a common goal to what we want to do in line so that we are happy with the work we are doing. What happens when our expectations and reality don’t correlate in our relationships? We don’t want to throw away all the hard work that we’ve put in. So, what can we do to help alleviate some of the tension that occurs when our expectations aren’t realistic in our relationships?

Earning her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from East Carolina University, Ms. Melissa Staley is a Managing Partner for Foundations Family Therapy in – Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Melissa has extensive experience working with a wide range of mental health settings and specialties. She has worked in a non-profit specializing in Multi-Systemic Therapy, worked with adolescents with behavioral difficulties and their families, taught anger and frustrations management, communication, positive thinking, and social interaction, worked in a detox and mental health crisis stabilization center and she has conducted clinical assessments and facilitated therapy groups. Melissa currently works with individuals, couples, families and children ages 4 and up. She has completed the Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and certified as a PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator.

To find out more about Ms. Melissa Staley and her practice, Foundations Family Therapy, you can visit their website or call (919) 285-4802 for an appointment.

Are you repeating the same behavior patterns in your relationship that you did as a child?

Every parent has their own way of parenting. Consequently, every person’s childhood is different from everyone else’s and can develop unique patterns. The way we are raised influences the way we do things later in life, whether it’s our study habits, work ethic, or career choices. Some parents enforce studying and getting homework done before play. Later in life this can help you to focus more on education or getting your work done in a timely matter. What our parents instill in us at a young age often carries with us in patterns over the years. What happens when we come from a home that is less than optimal? Do we develop differently? Can our childhood affect the way we do things in our relationship?

Earning her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Ricki Geiger is founder and owner of Rickie L. Geiger, LCSW in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Ricki is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Retirement Coach. She has over 30 years of professional experience. She provides individuals, couples, and group therapy for adults over 21 years of age. Ricki is a seasoned, engaging and skilled community educator and workshop presenter.

To find out more about Ricki Geiger and her practice, Ricki L Geiger, LCSW, you can visit their website or call (919) 929-8559 for an appointment.

 

Is your relationship flat? Dull? Losing its luster? Are you bored?

When things lack excitement in our lives, we tend to get bored with them very quickly and easily. We try to find the next, newest best thing. If our hair is flat, dull, and losing luster, we try a new conditioner or hairstyle. If our cell phones are from last season, we go buy the newest version of iPhone or Android. When a new video game, fashion trend or hairstyle becomes popular, we all flock to the stores and salons to get the new exciting trends as we become bored with our old things. But what if your relationship is flat and dull? And you’re feeling really bored with your partner? Perhaps the sex life is barely there or absent altogether. We don’t just drop our relationship to find someone else to keep things exciting. How can we add some excitement, adventure, and passion into our relationships?

Earning her Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology at Temple University, Dr. Susan Orenstein is founder and director of Orenstein Solutions in Cary, North Carolina. Dr. Orenstein has devoted her professional career to helping individuals and couples improve their most intimate relationships. She specializes in relationship and couples issues. Dr. Orenstein is committed to providing state-of-the-art practices in marital counseling and to that end, continues to attend professional training programs.

To find out more about Dr. Susan Orenstein and her practice, Orenstein Solutions, you can visit their website or call (919) 428-2766 for an appointment.