Since publishing “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” in 2000, John Gottman has added a weekly State of the Union Meeting, lasting one hour, because our culture has changed so dramatically. These cultural changes led Dr. John Gottman to Read More
Differentiation
28 Jul Good communication is emotional communication
Good communication and problem-solving skills are essential for successful relationships, but there can be an over-reliance on talking skills. There are seven basic principles or skill sets which are the building blocks of a healthy relationship. Read More
16 May Relationship Rescue – Do you avoid conflict or fight all the time?
People often come to see me when there's a conflict in their relationship and they need a relationship rescue. You just can't have a successful and happy relationship without learning to manage conflict first. This is a crucial step in relationship Read More
12 Mar Is anger a force for good in your relationship?
Is anger a force for good in your relationship? What happened when you last got angry? Was it a positive experience, or not? When you grew up, how did your family handle anger? How did your partner’s family deal with anger? Clinical psychologist Read More
29 Nov How to bring up sensitive issues
Have you ever struggled for days (or longer) with how to approach your partner about a difficult topic? We’ve all been there with sensitive issues. Waiting anxiously to pick a moment when s/he may be more likely to listen, thinking about the best way Read More
17 Feb Is your partner your friend?
If you answered “yes” to the question "is your partner your friend?", you’re well placed to make your relationship flourish. Keep up the good work! Keep strengthening your friendship bond, it’ll reward you well. Decades of research, combined with Read More
14 Sep Three myths about happy couples
There are so many myths about happy couples that they can’t even be called myths. Three of these ingrained myths are explained below. Myth 1. Happy couples don’t fight.Myth 2. Happy couples have frequent, hot sex.Myth 3. Happy couples avoid rough Read More
06 Aug The truth about lasting relationships
If you want the truth about lasting relationships, and who doesn't, there is one thing you need to ask a prospective mate. But what is that? Here is my adaptation for Australian readers of what Michele Weiner-Davis has to say on the many myths of Read More
19 Nov The green-eyed monster – jealousy
Your sweetheart calls you by another's name. His eyes linger too long on your best friend. She talks with excitement about a girl at work. And the fire catches. Jealousy - that sickening combination of possessiveness, suspicion, rage, and Read More
09 Oct What you need to know about intimate relationships
Do you wish you had insight into intimate relationships? Do you find yourself wishing it wasn’t so hard? Do you believe that if you were with the right partner these difficulties wouldn’t be happening? Do you know what relationship problems everyone Read More