Navigating the Seas of Togetherness: A Therapist's Guide to Vacationing Vacations are a great opportunity for couples to create lasting memories, strengthen their bond, and escape the routine of everyday life. However, the journey from depautre to return can sometimes be challenging. As a couples' counselor, I've witnessed common pitfalls and successes. Below are some tips to help couples navigate the seas of togetherness during their vacations Communication is Key As with most things involving couples, open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Prior to going on vacation, a couple should discuss the location and type of vacation they'd like to have. This may means that each person shares a few location ideas and together, they discuss the pros and cons of each, until they agree. This may also mean discussing whether the vacation will be a leisurely, relaxing trip, or one full of scheduled activities and tours, or hikes of local
Money Matters: Debt & Finances in Marriage The topic of finances often weaves its way through the delicate balance of love, commitment, and shared goals. In working with couples over the years, one of the topics that almost always inevitably comes up is finances. One person feels the other one is spending too much money. One person is trying hard to pay down debt. This topic can have a profound impact on marital harmony. In this blog post, I'll explore the challenges that many couples face and provide some guidance on navigating these difficult discussions. The Importance of Open Communication Open, honest, and transparent communication is the cornerstone of a strong, lasting marriage, especially when it comes to financial matters. From the very start of their relationship, a couples should begin talking about finances. This will make it a normal and comfortable topic to begin with, so it isn't as difficult to discuss later. As a relationship progresses and become