As a Portland relationship counselor, I try to pay attention to new research and trends so that I can better help my clients with their marriage problems. Recently I ran across a study about how generosity between partners can make your relationship feel satisfying, even in the face of other issues.
The study was conducted by [...]

The relationship advice I offered in a previous article was to appreciate the positive sides of nagging. It can help you to be healthier, more productive, and more organized. But despite its many benefits, excessive nagging can also be a major source of conflict in a relationship.  After all, no one likes being criticized.
So does [...]

Relationship problems happen in all parts of the country, and so does divorce. The Census Bureau recently released a report that gives some insight into the “geography” of divorce. Couples in the Southern states have higher rates of divorce than other regions and the Northeast has the lowest.
What about Relationship Problems in Portland?
How are we [...]

Many relationship issues, health problems, and psychological factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, but a recent study found a connection between erectile dysfunction and a situation called “partner betweenness,” which occurs when a wife or girlfriend has a stronger relationship with her partner’s confidants than he does. The correlation is strong: A man whose partner [...]

When offering relationship advice, I find that nagging gets a bad rap. Understandably so, because hearing constant criticism from a partner can hurt your marriage, but when it’s under control, nagging can actually be beneficial. It can be the little push you need to be healthier, more productive, and more organized.
Hard to believe? Consider this: [...]

Couples counseling may not be the first thing you think of when embarking on retirement, but you may be surprised how much of an impact this life change has on your relationship. You may be surprised to find yourself needing relationship advice after being together for so long. After all, this is the time of [...]

In my work in Portland marriage counseling, I work with many couples who are experiencing relationship problems of varying degrees, but one of the hardest issues to overcome is infidelity. Finding other people attractive is natural. The key, of course, is to not act on that attraction. However, when you aren’t regularly using relationship enhancing [...]

Save your marriage by focusing on the negative thoughts you’re feeling towards your partner and replacing them with a happy, positive memory of that person the next time a fight feels like it’s about to begin. Relationship problems are always a two-way street, and can be alleviated or made worse by either person. Often, however, [...]

Couples counseling shows that, regardless of background, most couples in distress tend to be facing common relationship problems – issues with communication, intimacy, handling conflict, and their significant other’s family. Just by themselves, these types of stressors can disrupt any relationship, but if you’re in an LGBT relationship, any problems you encounter are likely to [...]

You can save your marriage by tackling a problem as simple as the division of household chores. Whether you’re newly married or just living with your significant other, it’s not uncommon to argue over who should be responsible for what. After all, who wants to spend their time dusting or vacuuming? These disagreements probably seem [...]