Category: Communication Tips

Many people enter counseling frustrated. They’ve tried everything to change their situation, yet somehow, end up with the same dismal results. What most clients fail to notice is the patterns that contribute to these negative outcomes. Over and over again they try different ways to change their situation, only to find they end up right […]

Boundary setting often gets a bad rap. Many people associate setting boundaries with your partner as a negative interaction. Some even panic and jump to conclusions, fearing it’s the end of the relationship. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Learning how to set boundaries with your partner can ensure a continued healthy […]

Cyclical Arguments Most popularly, couples enter therapy for “communication issues.” They complain they can’t help but argue over stupid stuff. Sometimes it seems they just can’t see eye-to-eye on almost anything.         “It seems like everything is an issue with her.”         “We fight about the smallest things.” Rarely, if ever, are these cyclical arguments […]

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Healthy couples argue. They are two different people. They are bound to disagree. However, there is a difference between fighting and disagreeing in a healthy way. This hinges on emotional expression and healthy communication. For most couples who enter therapy, their arguments have reached unhealthy levels. One of the most common reasons […]

Shame is one of the trickier emotions to understand. Often times, it gets villainized. Most people want to hide their shame or get rid of it as soon as possible. However, if you want to help yourself or your partner heal shame, it’s important to first understand it. Stop Trying to Fix It! Most commonly, […]

Shame is one of the trickier emotions to understand. It can be complex for those unaware of its purpose. While shame can serve some adaptive social roles, in some cases it can be toxic for relationships and individuals. Knowing the distinction is crucial.  Shame is a social emotion. Shame is one of the most important […]

Talking about divorce can be scary for any couple. However, many of the couples in therapy come in for just this reason: the threat of divorce. It can be difficult to decipher whether this is really the end for us or if they are just protesting. At Cycles Couples Counseling we will help you to […]

How do we figure out if we’re in a cycle? Do you ever feel like you and your partner have the same argument over-and-over again? Find yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns no matter who you date? Does it feel like you end up with the same outcome, regardless of how many times you […]

Anger Management is a phrase many couples throw around in therapy. They insist their partner needs to go work on their “anger issues.” “He’s always yelling and it’s terrifying.” “She is so dramatic. She freaks out over everything.” Frequently, partners try to shut their reactions down, by either doing one of two things—yelling back or […]